AAPI Legislative Caucus Announces New Leadership

AAPI Legislative Caucus Announces New Leadership

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) elected Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra) as Chair, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) as Assembly Vice-Chair, and Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) as Senate Vice-Chair. As Chair, Assemblymember Fong also appointed Assemblymember Alex Lee as Parliamentarian. The new leadership took office on August 14, 2024.

“I’m thrilled to announce our new Caucus leadership team, all of whom are exceptional leaders, champions for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and personal friends,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to advocate for the interests of the AAPI community and all Californians.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong represents the 49th Assembly District, which includes the West San Gabriel Valley, and is home to the largest percentage of AAPIs in Southern California. He currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. During his time in the Legislature, Assemblymember Mike Fong has been a champion for the AANHPI community, authoring legislation to elevate language access for non-English speaking Californians and incorporating the history and contributions of the AAPI community in California and the United States in middle and high school curriculum.

“I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. I thank them for their trust as we continue to advocate for and champion issues important to our diverse AAPI communities.  We have important work ahead of us, and as a Caucus, I look forward to our continued efforts to uplift and support our community across the state and ensure our voice is heard in state government,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong.

Serving alongside Assemblymember Fong are Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab. Assemblymember Nguyen, who represents the cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove of Assembly District 10, became the first ever (AAPI) woman legislator to represent the Sacramento region. Dr. Wahab – a former foster youth – is the sole legislator of Central Asian descent in the AAPILC, and the first and only Afghan-American both elected to the Legislature and appointed as Senate Assistant Majority Leader. Dr. Wahab represents the counties of Alameda and Santa Clara.

“I am deeply honored to be elected as Vice Chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. As a lifelong advocate for immigrant and refugee communities, I have seen the resilience and strength of our AAPI communities, as well as the unique challenges we face,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow caucus members to uplift our communities and advance policies that promote equity and inclusion.”

“As Vice Chair, I look forward to continuing the work of increasing representation of all Asian Americans in leadership roles across the state, as well as collaborating with my colleagues to set a high standard of good governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility for others to follow,” said Dr. Wahab.

In addition, Assemblymember Alex Lee will serve as the parliamentarian. Assemblymember Lee, who represents the Santa Clara and Alameda counties of Assembly District 24, became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected when he was elected in 2020.

“I represent the most Asian American district in California, with 60% of the population being Asian American and Pacific Islander,” said Assemblymember Lee. “After serving as a member of the AAPILC for the last four years, I am excited to step into the position of parliamentarian. I look forward to working with the caucus’ new leadership to empower Asian Americans across California and to continue fighting for equity, inclusion, and representation for our Asian American communities.”