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Record-Breaking Numbers of AA & NH/PI Candidates in the 2024 General Election

Updated: Dec 5

WASHINGTON–In the 2024 general election, 550 Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) candidates ran for state and federal office, including in U.S. territories. Each year, APAICS compiles a thorough database of candidates in the AA & NH/PI Candidate Pipeline, tracking general election results for state and federal races nationwide. The Pipeline, which has recorded more than 1600 candidates this election cycle, also includes details on AA & NH/PI candidates at the local level. 


APAICS President and CEO Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke released the following statement:


“APAICS congratulates the AA & NH/PI candidates who ran this cycle, including first-time candidates who rose to the task and began their journeys in public service. As the nation’s fastest-growing ethnic group, the record number of candidates exemplifies our community’s growth and our commitment to increasing representation at all levels of public service.


“We are thrilled to see AA & NH/PI representation grow on both sides of the aisle. Among the AA & NH/PI candidates who won their respective elections, many serve as historic firsts, including Andy Kim, who was elected as the first Korean American Senator of New Jersey. Additionally, this election cycle saw 58 AA & NH/PI Republican candidates running for Congress, an unprecedented record.


“AA & NH/PI women candidates have also reached record numbers this cycle, with 224 women running for office at both the state and federal levels. Many of these women are making historic strides, such as Verona Mauga, an APAICS alumna who is now the first Pacific Islander woman in the Utah House of Representatives.


“These record numbers and historic firsts for our community serve as a testament to our demand for a seat at the table. Even with this progress, AA & NH/PIs are still widely underrepresented in government, and there is more work to be done. APAICS will continue to offer training, resources, and community spaces through our programs, such as our Leadership Academies and Women’s Collective events. As always, APAICS is an unwavering resource to AA & NH/PIs who wish to represent their communities in the halls of government.”


APAICS’ AA & NH/PI Candidate Pipeline Findings


Federal Elections - 132 candidates in the U.S. and 8 candidates in U.S. territories ran for election 

  • 20 candidates won in the U.S. and 3 candidates won in U.S. territories.

  • 1 Senator was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

  • 15 Representatives and 2 Delegates were re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • 4 Representatives and 1 Delegate were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time.

  • 1 Senator, 7 Representatives and 2 Delegates elected are women.

  • 24 AA & NH/PIs in Congress overall.


Statewide Elections - 19 candidates in the U.S. and 6 candidates in U.S. territories ran for election

  • 7 candidates won in the U.S. and 2 candidates won in a U.S. territory.

  • 1 candidate was re-elected as Governor in a U.S. territory.

  • 1 candidate was elected as Lieutenant Governor.

  • 1 candidate was re-elected as Secretary of State.

  • 1 candidate was re-elected as State Treasurer.

  • 2 candidates elected are women.


State Elections - 315 candidates in the U.S. and 73 candidates in U.S. territories

  • 190 candidates won in the U.S. and 35 candidates won in U.S. territories.

  • 97 candidates elected in the U.S. and 9 candidates in U.S. territories elected are women.


AA & NH/PI women in the U.S. and U.S. territories:

  • 224 AA & NH/PI women ran for office at both the state and federal levels.

  • 189 AA & NH/PI women advanced to the general election.

  • 108 AA & NH/PI women have won state seats.

  • 10 AA & NH/PI women have won federal seats.


Learn more about APAICS here.


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The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian Pacific American participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.

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