CAPAC Announces Largest AAPI Membership in History

NOVEMBER 4, 2026, 11:35 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C: Tuesday’s historic election will send several new Asian Americans and one Pacific Islander (AAPI) to the U.S. Congress, many of whom will be setting historic firsts when they are officially sworn in. Four new AAPI candidates were elected to serve in the House of Representatives, while additional House candidates are in close races that have yet to be called.

“Last night’s election was a resounding repudiation of President Trump and his failed policies that put the safety, security, and civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders at risk. It also marked a historic step forward for AAPI representation, with at least 22 AAPI Members poised to join CAPAC next year—the largest number in our nation’s history. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the pressing needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and ensure their voices are heard in the halls of power,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

The four new Asian American and Pacific Islander Members elected to the House of Representatives have also broken barriers with their respective wins: Pia Dandiya as the first Indian American woman elected to represent Florida’s 22nd Congressional District; Dan Koh as the first Korean and Lebanese American elected to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District; Alicia Garrido Limtiaco as the first CHamoru (Chamorro) woman elected to represent Guam’s At-Large Congressional District; and Dr. Richard Pan as the first Chinese American elected to represent California’s 6th Congressional District.

At this time, Dr. Amish Shah holds the lead in a close race that has yet to be decided. If Dr. Shah wins, he will be the first Indian American elected to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District and bring the total number of CAPAC’s AAPI Members to 23 next year.

In addition to welcoming the newly elected Members, Chair Meng also thanked departing Asian American CAPAC Members for their service:

“CAPAC thanks Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar for their years-long service and commitment to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the country. They have led the fight against anti-South Asian hate, challenged the Trump administration’s cruel immigration policies, and demanded accountability for its actions. Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Thanedar’s contributions to our country will leave a lasting impact, and we look forward to continuing their work in the next Congress.”