The 2024 U.S. elections brought groundbreaking wins for Filipino American leaders, marking an important stride toward greater representation for one of the most underrepresented Asian American ethnic groups in public office. Filipino Americans, despite being the third-largest Asian American ethnic group, hold a fraction of elected positions nationwide. This year’s victories signal a shift as Filipino American leaders step into roles across city, state, and school district offices, amplifying their community’s voice and priorities.
First-time wins:
Filipino Americans celebrated several historic firsts, particularly in California, where candidates achieved new heights:
California State Senate, District 3: Christopher Cabaldon, former long-serving Mayor of West Sacramento, made history as the first Filipino American elected to the California State Senate.
California State Assembly, District 52: Jessica Caloza became the first Filipino American woman to join the California State Assembly, bringing her experience as a former advisor to Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Wisconsin State Assembly, District 14: Angelito Tenorio achieved a first for Wisconsin as the only Filipino American elected to its State Legislature.
Los Angeles City Council, District 14: Ysabel Jurado, a tenant rights attorney, became the first Filipino American elected to the L.A. City Council.
San Buenaventura City Council, District 3: Ryyn Schumacher is now San Buenaventura’s first Filipino American council member, breaking barriers as an openly gay person of color.
ABC Unified School District Board of Trustees, Area 4: Tatiana Yokoyama Bui, a Filipino-Japanese American attorney, joined the board with her background in child advocacy law.
Re-election wins:
Several Filipino American leaders also secured re-election, reaffirming their impactful work in public office:
U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3): The only member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, Scott has represented Virginia’s 3rd District for over three decades.
Alaska State Representative Genevieve Mina (District 19): Mina remains Alaska’s only Filipino American State Representative.
Arizona State Representative Junelle Harnal Cavero (District 11): Cavero continues to serve as Arizona’s first Filipina American in the state legislature.
Hawaii State Representative Trish La Chica (District 37): The first Filipino-born representative from Central Oahu will continue advocating for her district.
New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga (District 30): Raga holds his place as New York’s sole Filipino American Assembly member.
North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania (District 41): Cervania remains North Carolina’s only Filipino American legislator and one of the first two Asian American women elected to the state body.
Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones (District 52): The only Filipino American in the Tennessee State Legislature will continue serving his constituents.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria: Gloria, San Diego’s first Filipino American and LGBTQ+ mayor, was re-elected to continue his work in one of California’s largest cities.
Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo: Manalo, Daly City’s first Filipino American woman to serve as both council member and mayor, secured her re-election.
Claremont Mayor Pro Tem Corey Calaycay (District 1): Calaycay’s decades-long service on the Claremont City Council continues.
Hercules City Council Member Alexander Walker-Griffin: Walker-Griffin remains Hercules’ youngest council member.
Maplewood City Council Member Nikki Villavicencio: Villavicencio, the first disabled Filipinx council member of Maplewood, Minnesota, retains her seat.
Mountain View Council Member Emily Ann Ramos: Ramos continues as Mountain View’s first Filipino American council member.
South San Francisco City Councilmember Mark Nagales (District 2): Former South San Francisco mayor, Nagales secured his re-election to the council.
Races to watch:
Several Filipino Americans ran strong campaigns with outcomes yet to be finalized. In San Francisco’s District 1, Marjan Philhour may soon be both the first Filipina American and the first female Iranian-American Supervisor, signaling yet another milestone in representation.
