The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs Celebrates Presumptive Presidential Nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris

Sacramento, CA — The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Commission (CAPIAA) celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris’ presumptive nomination for President of the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the daughter of immigrants, with her mother of South Asian descent and her father of Jamaican descent, making her a first-generation American. Her nomination marks the first time a person of Asian descent and the first Black woman has been nominated for president by a major party. Harris’s background reflects significant milestones regarding diversity and representation in American politics.

“During his term, President Joe Biden has been a dedicated and trusted partner in elevating, strengthening, and safeguarding our Asian-American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community. His significant contributions include signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and strengthening the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders,” said Chair Jason Paguio. “We are witnessing history with the presumptive nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the first person of Asian descent to be a presidential nominee by a major party. This milestone signifies progress not just for our state, but for the entire country, as we strive for a more inclusive and representative nation.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has a long history of public service in California. She began her career as Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County from 1990 to 1998. Harris then served as District Attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. In 2011, she became California’s Attorney General, holding the position until 2017. Harris was elected as a U.S. Senator for California in 2017 and served until she became Vice President in January 2021.

“Congratulations to Vice President Kamala Harris on her presidential candidate nomination,” said Executive Director Khydeeja Alam. “As a South Asian and a mother, I see firsthand how vital representation is. Her nomination embodies goodwill, and we hope she unites the community and truly represents the diverse voices that make our community strong and vibrant.”

As of the 2020 census data, over six million people in California identify as Asian & Pacific Islander, representing the largest Asian population in the United States. These communities contribute to the state’s economy and play a vital role in its national political landscape.

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The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state. 

For more information, please visit our CAPIAA website: www.capiaa.ca.gov