Following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential race, Filipino American Democrats have transitioned their support from the Biden-Harris campaign to the newly formed Filipino Americans for Harris (FAFH).
“Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris is thrilled to announce its full support and enthusiastic endorsement of Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee for President of the United States,” stated FAFH in an Iquirer.net report.
The group, previously recognized as the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) organization for the Biden-Harris campaign, expressed gratitude to President Biden for acknowledging the contributions of Filipino Americans and their representation in government.
Highlighting Harris’ dedication, leadership, and vision, the group emphasized her commitment to justice, equality, and opportunities for all Americans. They noted her significant impact on the Filipino American community, particularly through her years of service in California, home to a large portion of the Filipino population in the United States.
Melissa Ramoso, councilmember and former Mayor of Artesia, California, remarked on Harris’ historic potential to become the first woman, and the first Black and Asian American woman, to hold the presidential office. Ramoso, along with co-chairs Genevieve Jopanda and Mario Salazar, emphasized the importance of Harris’ candidacy in achieving greater representation and influence for Filipino Americans.
Salazar praised Harris’ consistent support for policies benefiting Filipino Americans, such as healthcare reforms and economic initiatives, as well as her stance against anti-Asian hate and commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
Former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, expressed his pride and readiness to endorse Harris at the upcoming convention in Chicago, scheduled for August 19-22.
In his address from the Oval Office, President Biden cited the need to prioritize the country’s unity and the greater good over personal ambition, stating his decision to step aside was to save democracy and pass “the torch to a new generation.”