Press Release
Indian American Impact Endorses Pramila Jayapal for U.S. House in Washington’s 7th Congressional District
For Immediate Release:
April 5, 2024
Contact: Sarah Shah
sarah@iaimpact.org
Seattle, WA— Indian American Impact proudly endorses Pramila Jayapal for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in WA-07. First elected in 2016, Pramila is the first South Asian woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress.
Pramila is seeking re-election for a fifth term to represent her district in the House of Representatives. As chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, she’s been instrumental in driving forward President Biden’s agenda with notable legislative victories such as the passage of the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the most substantial investment in climate change action to date. Notably, she has authored and championed crucial legislation tailored to address specific issues within the South Asian diaspora, exemplified by the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2023 which has now passed the U.S. House twice and once fully enacted, will save countless lives both within our communities and beyond. As one of the few immigrants serving in Congress, Pramila has also been a steadfast advocate for immigration reform, advocating for pathways to citizenship and providing relief for green card holders.
Taher Hasanali, Indian American Impact’s National Political Director, shared the following statement:
“We’re thrilled to endorse Pramila Jayapal for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in WA-07. Since making history as the first South Asian woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress in 2016, Pramila’s dedication to addressing the needs of the South Asian diaspora has been unparalleled. From leading the U.S. House to pass legislation that would combat the disproportionate impact of heart disease in our communities to championing legislation that provides a path to citizenship for thousands of undocumented residents and Indians in the green card backlog, Pramila has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our community’s well-being.
Her ability to harness the energy of marginalized communities like ours and build powerful coalitions underscores her effectiveness as a leader. The coalitions she has built in and outside of Congress have enabled her to secure key legislative victories and deliver on President Biden’s agenda to uplift all Americans. Indian American Impact proudly stands behind Pramila Jayapal and encourages voters to support her reelection campaign, ensuring our voices are heard in Washington.”
Pramila Jayapal said, “I am proud to have earned Indian American Impact’s support for my re-election campaign. As the first South Asian woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, and one of just two dozen naturalized citizens to ever serve in Congress, the support of AAPI allies and organizers means the world to me, and I know we will continue to deliver change together. Our years of organizing the AAPI community have helped transform our politics for the better, whether that means helping win crucial elections in battleground states or passing the bipartisan South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act through the House. I am excited to continue building on this success together.”
Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact has endorsed and supported 166 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.
Indian American Impact is a national 501(c)(4) organization that elevates the voices of Indian Americans and South Asians to ensure that every level of government represents us and our values. Impact works to mobilize, engage and elect South Asians in an effort to build a world in which all Americans have the opportunity to thrive.