Endorsements

2026 November General Election

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Statewide

James Talarico

for United States Senate

Why We Endorsed:

An eighth-generation Texan and former middle school teacher, James Talarico has served four terms in the Texas Legislature, where he capped insulin costs and helped secure new investments in Texas public schools. As U.S. Senator, he wants to bring honesty and compassion back to politics by delivering affordable healthcare, well-funded public schools, and a government that works for everyday Texans.

Gina Hinojosa

Why We Endorsed:

Former civil rights attorney, Gina Hinojosa served 5 terms in the Texas Legislature and four years on the Austin ISD school board, where she has been a fierce champion for public education, helping invest over $1 Billion in Texas public schools. As governor, she wants to unite Texans through investing in healthcare access and education to build a Texas we can afford.

for TX Governor

Vikki Goodwin

Why We Endorsed:

A small business owner and four-term state representative, Vikki Goodwin has served on the House Appropriations Committee, where she learned the value of smart state investments and the relationships it takes to get things done. As Lieutenant Governor, she wants to reinvest in public schools while expanding affordable healthcare and clean water for every Texan.

for Lt. Governor

Nathan Johnson

Why We Endorsed:

A litigator and mediator, Nathan Johnson has represented Dallas in the State Senate since 2018, becoming the state’s leading voice for Medicaid expansion and a driving force behind strengthening our power grid. As Attorney General, he wants to serve as a trusted champion for Texas consumers and small businesses by delivering affordable healthcare and a government Texans can count on.

for Attorney General

Sarah Eckhardt

Why We Endorsed:

With nearly two decades of public service, Sarah Eckhardt rose from Assistant County Attorney to become the first woman elected Travis county judge, before being elected to the Texas Senate in 2020. As County Judge, she balanced budgets and cut property taxes three times while expanding healthcare for county employees. As Comptroller, she wants to build trust with Texans through increasing accountability for state spending and delivering the transparency taxpayers deserve.

for Comptroller

Ben Flores

for General Land Office Commissioner

Why We Endorsed:

With nearly 30 years of experience in cybersecurity and risk management, Ben Flores serves as a current city council member in Bay City, elected on a promise for transparency in local government. As Land commissioner, he wants to put Texans first by growing funding for our public schools, expanding services for veterans, and protecting the Texas coastline for generations to come.

Clayton Tucker

for Agriculture Commissioner

Why We Endorsed:

A multi-generational rancher from Lampasas, Clayton Tucker has worked as a water researcher and educator before becoming a community organizer. When elected as Agriculture Commissioner, he wants to keep Texas healthy through investing in local farmers to make food affordable again and lowering water cost through protecting Texas water for Texans.

Jon Rosenthal

for Railroad Commissioner

Why We Endorsed:

With over 25 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry, Jon Rosenthal served four terms as the only Mechanical Engineer in the Texas House representing Northwest Houston. He has been a key ally in protecting AAPI communities, fighting against anti-asian hate and Islamophobia. As railroad commissioner, he wants to put Texans first by making our power grid more reliable and efficient to lower our energy costs.

Austin

Greg Casar

Why We Endorsed:

Greg Casar has a proven record fighting for working-class families. As policy director for the Workers Defense Project, he won Texas's first water break protections for construction workers. On Austin City Council, he championed tenant and worker protections. Now Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Casar remains committed to economic justice and inclusive democracy.

for US House, TX-37

Allison Bush

Why We Endorsed:

Allison is a seasoned educator with over 25 years as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and education foundation leader throughout Central Texas. With a strong emphasis on expanding opportunities for students and families, she's worked to keep classrooms strong at every level. Allison has the foresight to keep leading as State Board of Education District 5 Member.

for SBOE District 5

Montserrat Garibay

for TX House District 49

Why We Endorsed:

Montserrat Garibay has spent over 25 years fighting alongside working Texans. In 2001, Garibay—a Dreamer—helped pass the Texas Dream Act, granting undocumented students in-state tuition. She later organized Austin ISD to close a preschool funding gap, became the first Latina Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, and served in the Department of Education under Biden-Harris.

Pooja Sethi

for TX House District 47

Why We Endorsed:

Pooja Sethi, an immigration attorney and former Chief of Staff for HD 47, understands the district's needs and has a proven record advancing legislation, including measures to prevent drowning and gun violence. As a mother and advocate for public education and immigrant communities, Sethi is committed to uplifting AAPI voices and ensuring meaningful representation in policymaking.

Selena Xie

for City of Austin, Council District 8

Why We Endorsed:

For over a decade, Selena Xie has served Austin as an EMS Commander, ICU nurse, and labor leader. As President of Austin EMS Association, she led over 500 paramedics through COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri, and the opioid crisis, negotiating historic wage increases. As the only AAPI candidate in District 8, Xie brings urgency to affordability and public safety.

Zohaib Qadri

Incumbent, for City of Austin, Council District 9

Why We Endorsed:

In 2023, Zohaib Qadri made history as the first South Asian and Muslim Councilmember elected to represent District 9 amid rising affordability pressures and climate threats. Representing a large UT Austin student population, Qadri turns to the community for solutions. Since taking office, his housing reform has led to a 10% citywide rent decrease.

Samantha Lopez-Resendez

for TX House District 50

Why We Endorsed:

Samantha Lopez-Resendez brings years of experience from Representative Howard's office and is a passionate advocate for healthcare, especially reproductive rights. Representing one of the state's most diverse districts, she actively engages communities like Muslim Texans to understand their legislative needs. Samantha believes this campaign is about leaders working together for equity and inclusion statewide.

Fort Bend

Christian Menefee

Incumbent for US House, TX-18

Why We Endorsed:

Raised in TX Congressional District 18, Christian Menefee is fighting for the community that raised him. As Harris County Attorney, he built an office led by minority community leaders and stayed rooted in communities like Alief, ensuring that AAPI residents had someone to call. In Congress, he’s bringing that same fight to Washington for Texans.

Tiffany Perkinz

for SBOE District 7

Why We Endorsed:

Tiffany Perkinz is a lifelong educator, including as an ELA teacher, with a master's degree in education. She's committed to upholding the separation of church and state, protecting true history, evidence-based science, and academic freedom. Recognizing Texas's diversity, Perkinz partners with organizations like ATJAF to amplify AAPI voices and reflect the state's diverse cultures and histories.

Dana Van de Walker

Why We Endorsed:

With over 20 years of global education experience, Dana Van de Walker has served in roles from elementary ESL teacher to college instructor. A dedicated grassroots leader, she's actively partnered with AAPI communities across Texas. Walker supports separation of church and state, opposes school vouchers, and advocates for strong investment in Texas public schools.

for SBOE District 8

Eliz Markowitz

for TX House District 26

Why We Endorsed:

Eliz Markowitz brings deep education expertise to House District 26, holding multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Committed to strengthening public education, public health, and affordability, she has partnered with AAPI Texas leaders to ensure the district's growing AANHPI community is represented and its priorities are heard.

Ron Reynolds

Incumbent for TX House District 27

Why We Endorsed:

As the incumbent representing House District 27, Representative Ron Reynolds has been a steadfast advocate for the AAPI community. He stood with AAPI Texans and ATJAF in opposing SB 17, the anti-alien land law, and has consistently supported the community by attending cultural events, engaging leaders, and ensuring AAPI voices are heard in the legislative process.

Sandy Ibáñez

for TX House District 28

Why We Endorsed:

As a candidate for House District 28, Sandy N. Ibáñez understands the importance of representation in Fort Bend County and is committed to ensuring the AAPI community has a voice in the legislative process through having AAPI staff to guide her policies. Demonstrating her commitment, Ibáñez also offers campaign materials in multiple Asian languages, including Hindi, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Suleman Lalani

Incumbent for TX House District 76

Why We Endorsed:

As the incumbent for House District 76, Representative Suleman Lalani is a leading voice for AAPI Texans as a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Texas AAPI Legislative Caucus. Since taking office, Representative Lalani has worked closely with AAPI leaders and organizations to advance policies that support AAPI Texans while opposing discriminatory legislation that harms immigrant and AAPI communities.

Surendran Pattel

Incumbent for Fort Bend 240th Judicial District Court

Why We Endorsed:

Incumbent Surendran Pattel is the only Asian American District Court Judge in Fort Bend. Elected in 2022, Judge Pattel has brought transparency and efficiency to the court house – reducing the case backlog and earning the highest clearance rate in Fort Bend county.. He is a compassionate leader investing in the next generation by holding internships for teens to learn more about the district courts.

Dexter McCoy

for Fort Bend County Judge

Why We Endorsed:

Born and raised in Fort Bend county, Dexter McCoy understands that local government must work for the people. He lives by the value that everyone is valuable and belongs in Fort Bend County; turning towards AAPI community members to learn and build solutions together. As Fort Bend County grows, McCoy has been a strong advocate for the Asian American community, defending immigrants and confronting Islamophobia.

April Jones

for Fort Bend Commissioner, Precinct 4

Why We Endorsed:

April Jones is running for Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 4, on a platform of fiscal accountability and community investment. She champions transparency in commissioners court, environmentally sound infrastructure, robust public health initiative, and support for small businesses and workers.

Beverley Walker

Incumbent for Fort Bend County District Clerk

Why We Endorsed:

Beverley Walker, incumbent Fort Bend County District Clerk and the first African American woman to serve on Houston City council, has built a career on representing everyone. She’s committed to ensuring court staff reflects the county’s diversity and to keeping the Asian American community represented in leadership and staffing decisions.

Juli Mathew

Incumbent for Fort Bend, County Court at Law #3

Why We Endorsed:

In 2018, Juli Mathew was the first Indian American woman elected to a judicial bench in the United States. During her tenure, Judge Mathew founded the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health (JIMHS) Court to ensure that young people are given opportunities to grow. Through her community programs, Judge Mathew has welcomed residents into the court house to build trust and involve the community in decision making.

Sonia Rash

Incumbent for Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace #3

Why We Endorsed:

A proud Pakistani Texan, Sonia Rash is a true champion of accessibility and community investment. Since becoming Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2023, Judge Rash has expanded translation services and legal resources for the community. She is the only JP to provide night court and works with community members to increase access to justice.

Harris County

Christian Menefee

Incumbent for US House, TX-18

Why We Endorsed:

Raised in TX Congressional District 18, Christian Menefee is fighting for the community that raised him. As Harris County Attorney, he built an office led by minority community leaders and stayed rooted in communities like Alief, ensuring that AAPI residents had someone to call. In Congress, he’s bringing that same fight to Washington for Texans.

Dana Van de Walker

Why We Endorsed:

With over 20 years of global education experience, Dana Van de Walker has served in roles from elementary ESL teacher to college instructor. A dedicated grassroots leader, she's actively partnered with AAPI communities across Texas. Walker supports separation of church and state, opposes school vouchers, and advocates for strong investment in Texas public schools.

for SBOE District 8

Staci Childs

for TX House District 131

Why We Endorsed:

Running for House District 131, Staci Childs brings experience as an attorney and State Board of Education member, where she championed marginalized students and fought for equitable education. She championed ATJ’s amendment to include the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. Recognizing HD 131’s growing AAPI community, Childs is committed to ensuring their voices are represented at the Capitol.

Odus Evbagharu

for TX House District 135

Why We Endorsed:

Running for House District 135, Odus Evbagharu, the son of Nigerian immigrants, has long advocated for immigrant communities. As former Harris County Democratic Party Chair, he built strong relationships with AAPI leaders through community events. He understands the importance of language access and combating anti-Asian hate, emphasizing solidarity, collaboration, and inclusive policies that uplift all communities

Gene Wu

Incumbent for TX House District 137

Why We Endorsed:

Representative Gene Wu has championed AAPI Texans for more than 13 years, growing as a leader and advocate for AAPI representation. As Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, he fought SB 17 and anti-Asian land restrictions alongside Asian Texans for Justice. He continues fighting for all Texans by opposing gerrymandering and defending democracy.

Tyler Smith

for TX House District 138

Why We Endorsed:

Growing up in a multiracial family with Asian siblings and in House District 138, Tyler Smith understands his community from the inside out. With experience working on campaigns, including Beto O’Rourke and the Biden-Harris campaign, Tyler is committed to engaging AAPI communities and communities of color in civic participation and voting. He believes every voice deserves to be heard and represented.

Darlene Breaux

for TX House District 149

Why We Endorsed:

Through her experience as Alief ISD Board President, Dr. Darlene Breaux brings 25 years of expertise as an educator, school board leader, and policy advocate. Running for House District 149, she's committed to championing healthcare, affordable housing, and public education, prioritizing her diverse community through local AAPI staff, listening sessions, and community events.

Rabeea Collier

Incumbent for Harris, 113th Judicial District Court

Why We Endorsed:

Houston native, Judge Rabeea Collier believes the court house should be an open space for learning, giving middle and high schoolers real courtroom experience. She has served and supported many local bar associations to build skills in the next generation of lawyers. As President of the Texas Association of District Judges, she pushed for a stronger, more accessible judiciary statewide.

Christine Vinh Weems

Incumbent for Harris, 281st Judicial District Court

Why We Endorsed:

Judge Christine Weems is the child of Vietnamese refugees and the only Southeast Asian Judge on the bench in Harris County. After 7 years on the bench, she understands real engagement with the AAPI community is showing up and offering support. She is committed to educating community members and making her courtroom a place where everyone feels seen and heard.

Leah Shapiro

Incumbent for Harris, 315th Judicial District Court

Why We Endorsed:

Judge Leah Shapiro presides over the only court with a dual docket focusing on juvenile mental health and juvenile sexual abuse cases. Judge Shapiro is dedicated to creating structure and sustainability for the children in her courtroom and through community education around CPS and the justice system.

Letitia Plummer

for Harris County Judge

Why We Endorsed:

Of Yemeni, Persian, and African American descent, Dr. Letitia Plummer made history as the first Muslim woman elected to Houston City Council. Through rising Islamophobia and anti-Asian hate, she has been a fierce advocate for the AAPI community at Iftars and as an advisor to the mayor on AAPI issues.

Lesley Briones

Incumbent for Harris County Commissioner Precinct #4

Why We Endorsed:

Commissioner Lesley Briones represents one of the largest concentrations of AAPIs in the South. In her tenure, she has appointed AAPI community members to ensure that the government in Precinct 4 represents the community. As commissioner, she has expanded language access for county resources and led initiatives to celebrate the AAPI community.

Silky Joshi-Malik

Why We Endorsed:

Houston native and daughter of Indian immigrants, Silky Joshi-Malik serves on the Harris County AAPI commission, working to ensure AAPI communities are represented in county decision-making and connected to essential services. As an HCDE Trustee, Joshi-Malik is committed to accessibility, championing early childhood education, special education, and after-school programs for working families.

for Harris County Department of Education, Position 7

Manpreet Monica Singh

Incumbent for Harris, Civil Court at Law #4

Why We Endorsed:

Born into one of Houston's first Sikh families, Judge Manpreet Monica Singh became an advocate for the Sikh community after the wave of anti-South Asian sentiment following 9/11. In 2022, she became the first Sikh judge in the nation where she championed language access in the courtroom.

James Horwitz

Incumbent for Harris, Probate Court at Law #4

Why We Endorsed:

Judge James Horwitz presides over Probate Court 4, one of two courts in Harris County that focuses on mental health matters. He believes judges shouldn’t be isolated from the communities they serve, offering zoom court for accessibility and community education on probate law for the AAPI community.

North Texas

Evan Hunt

for US House, TX-3

Why We Endorsed:

Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Evan Hunt believes our freedom and diversity is America's greatest strength. He's committed to protecting Social Security, veterans, and affordable healthcare to increase opportunities for North Texas, and to working with AAPI community leaders to combat rising Islamophobia and xenophobia across the region.

Tiffany Clark

Why We Endorsed:

As the incumbent State Board of Education member, Dr. Tiffany Clark brings 12 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and former DeSoto ISD Board Trustee. She champions diversity as key to student mental health, and has partnered with ATJAF to add the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act to the Texas history curriculum.

Incumbent for SBOE District 13

Detrick Deburr

for TX House District 65

Why We Endorsed:

Detrick Deburr is a software engineer with over two decades of North Texas community service, including 18 years as planning and zoning commissioner in Denton County. In a district nearly 15% Asian, he's running to be a representative who truly reflects and serves everyone in HD-65 by fully funding schools and expanding healthcare access

Sandeep Srivastava

for TX House District 66

Why We Endorsed:

As a first-generation immigrant, longtime Collin County resident, and local business owner, Sandeep Srivastava is running for House District 66 to bring his technical precision and understanding of community needs to Austin. In one of the state's highest AAPI populations, he understands the immigrant experience and this fast-growing suburban community.

Jordan Wheatley

for TX House District 67

Why We Endorsed:

4th grade teacher and coach Jordan Wheatley understands what working families are up against. He's working alongside AAPI community leaders to support District 67's growing Muslim community. As State Rep, Jordan wants to make Texas more affordable, fully fund public education, and stop corruption in Austin.

Salman Bhojani

Incumbent for TX House District 92

Why We Endorsed:

Salman Bhojani made history as the first Muslim and first South Asian elected to Texas House District 92. He co-founded the Legislature's AAPI caucus, added the Torah, Gita, and Qur'an to the Capitol chapel, and now chairs the new Religious Freedom Caucus. ATJAF endorses Bhojani for another term.

Zach Herbert

for TX House District 112

Why We Endorsed:

A Marine Corps veteran and Board-Certified personal injury trial lawyer, Zach Herbert has spent his career standing up to big insurance companies and corporations on behalf of everyday Texans. As State Rep, Zach wants to protect public education, support working families, and ensure accessible government for TX House District 112.

Alisa Simmons

for Tarrant County Judge

Why We Endorsed:

Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons champions affordability, housing access, and stronger human services so families can thrive. A responsive leader, she's built relationships within the AAPI community, ensuring their voices are heard. First elected in 2022, Simmons is a courageous defender of civil rights, public health, and transparent government.

Sumbel 'Susan' Zeb

for Princeton City Council, District 6

Why We Endorsed:

Sumbel "Susan" Zeb brings grassroots values to Princeton City Council. Filling critical infrastructure gaps, Zeb founded Princeton Desi Voters to ensure civic engagement is accessible to all. As Princeton experiences rapid growth, Zeb is committed to supporting progress thoughtfully while preserving the culture that makes the city feel like home.

Michelle Butler

for Denton County Justice of the Peace #6

Why We Endorsed:

Michelle Butler is running to bring dignity and real justice to local courts. Drawing on her organizing experience with national campaigns, she'll connect residents with resources before eviction, truancy, or debt cases escalate. As a mom and dedicated Carrollton resident, Michelle is ready to make the court efficient and compassionate.

San Antonio & South Texas

Katy Padilla-Stout

for US House, TX-23

Why We Endorsed:

Educator and lawyer Katy Padilla Stout has spent her career showing up for kids and families. She has supported families applying to Head Start, understanding how early education lets working parents pursue careers. She has shown up for the AAPI community and is committed to expanding affordable healthcare and tackling the rising cost of living.

Thomas Ray Garcia

for SBOE District 2

Why We Endorsed:

As an educator, author, and entrepreneur from the Rio Grande Valley, Thomas Ray Garcia is the right candidate for State Board of Education District 2. With 13 years in K-12 and higher education, he knows firsthand what it takes for public schools to serve students and families across the Gulf Coast.

Julio Salinas

for TX House District 41

Why We Endorsed:

Raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Julio Salinas understands that AAPI and Latino communities alike are searching for their seat at the table. As the region outgrows its infrastructure, Salinas champions public transit, worker protections, and small business growth to rebuild a Valley that lifts working families up.

Zack Dunn

for TX House District 121

Why We Endorsed:

Raised in a military family, Zack Dunn learned the value of taking care of others. As a Bexar County prosecutor in the Family Violence Division, he stands with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, helping expand legal resources in Asian languages. He's running for District 121 to ensure every family can live safely and thrive.

Ron Nirenberg

for Bexar County Judge

Why We Endorsed:

Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg brings a lifetime of service to his run for Bexar County Judge. Raised in an intercultural, interfaith household, he made history as San Antonio's first Asian American mayor and has long supported Asian business and cultural organizations. As Bexar County grows, Ron is committed to investing in county services and infrastructure.

Adrian Reyna

for TX House District 125

Why We Endorsed:

Born and raised in District 125, Adrian Reyna has served 15 years as a history teacher in San Antonio ISD. Now a union leader, he hopes to expand education by ensuring schools teach skills and trades. As State Representative, he wants to build an AAPI advisory council to address the community's concerns.