FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA — A coalition of leading Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) organizations, led by the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC) and the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), announced they will host an AANHPI California Gubernatorial Candidates Forum on Saturday, April 18 from 10am-12pm at World Mission University, 500 Shatto Place.
The Candidates Forum – the only event hosted by AANHPI organizations for AANHPI communities in Los Angeles County – will offer Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates a unique opportunity to engage directly with AANHPI communities, share their vision for the state, and outline how they will support AANHPI priorities as Governor.
Invited candidates include Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer (Confirmed), Eric Swalwell, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa (Confirmed), and Betty Yee (Confirmed). A full list of confirmed candidates will be announced closer to the event.
“California’s AANHPI communities are a driving force behind the state’s economy, culture, and democracy,” said KADC President Esther Lim. “As the only gubernatorial forum in Los Angeles County hosted by and for AANHPI communities, this is a historic opportunity for candidates to connect with one of California’s fastest growing and most influential communities. Our coalition represents organizations across the political spectrum united by a common goal: ensuring AANHPI Californians are seen, heard, and prioritized.”
“We believe that true representation is built together, starting with direct access,” said CAUSE Executive Director, Nancy Yap. “This forum creates an opportunity for candidates to engage with deeply connected community leaders whose influence extends far beyond the room. By standing together, we ensure that these conversations reach communities across California, helping people stay informed and engaged. This is an opportunity to help shape a California where our voices are reflected in the decisions that impact our lives.”
Economic and Demographic Power
Over 7.3 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders reside in California, representing more than 15% of the state's population and one of its fastest-growing communities over the past decade. AANHPI-owned businesses account for nearly 25% of the state's businesses, generating over $200 billion in economic activity. The AANHPI community holds a collective $2 trillion in consumer purchasing power and comprises nearly 20% of California's electorate.
Co-Hosting Organizations (36)
Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC); Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE); Through Peace; World Mission University, UCLA Asian American Studies Center’s Asian American Pacific Islander Policy Initiative; Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts Political Science and International Relations; Pilipino Workers Center; Asian Dems of Los Angeles; 'Ahahui Kīwila Hawaiʻi o San Diego; Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL); Asian American Media Alliance (AAMA); AAPI Equity Alliance; Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA); Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF); Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement; Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Chinese American Museum; Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM); Hawaii's Daughters Guild of California; Khmer Girls in Action (KGA); Leadership and Education through Gaagana Fa’asamoa (Le GaFa); Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC); Little Tokyo Service Center; Nikkei Progressives; OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Los Angeles; Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA); Pacific Islander Collective San Diego (PICSD); Pacific Islander Health Partnership (PIHP); Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD); PIVOT: The Progressive Vietnamese American Organization; Search to Involve Pilipino Americans; South Asian Network (SAN); Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team (SoCal PICRT); Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC); United Cambodian Community and others.
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EVENT DETAILS
What: AANHPI California Gubernatorial Candidates Forum
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Where: World Mission University, 500 Shatto Pl, Los Angeles (Koreatown)
RSVP: http://bit.ly/aanhpi-ca-gubernatorial-2026
Local and national press will be in attendance. This forum will not be livestreamed. Instead, the conversation will be recorded and shared afterward through translated video content across multiple languages and platforms, ensuring it reaches communities more broadly and in accessible ways.
MEDIA CONTACT
Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE)
Email: comms@causeusa.org
Phone: 213-260-1678
Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC)
Email: kademcom@gmail.com
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ABOUT CAUSE:
The Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to advancing the civic and political empowerment of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Since 1993, CAUSE has provided leadership development programs, civic education initiatives, and policy advocacy to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Learn more at www.causeusa.org.
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