NCAAT in Action endorses Kamala Harris for president.

In a critical juncture in the fight against extremism, Vice President Kamala Harris is the candidate who will protect the rights of Asian American communities in North Carolina and nationwide. Before her time as Vice President, Harris served as a U.S. senator, attorney general, and prosecutor and has a long track record as a staunch defender of reproductive rights and the environment. In the Senate, she fought for legislation to provide economic relief for middle and working class families; as Vice President, Harris has supported key legislation including the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and student debt relief efforts. We are also encouraged by her Vice President pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has supported and enacted progressive policies during his time in office such as a free student meal program and codifying abortion protections into the state constitution.

Our endorsement comes with the expectation of growth and action from V.P. Harris on several issues, such as protecting immigrants’ rights and prioritizing a ceasefire in Gaza. We commit to holding Kamala Harris accountable to upholding NCAAT in Action’s progressive values when elected.

NCAAT in Action endorses Josh Stein for North Carolina governor.

Attorney General Josh Stein is a longtime North Carolina public servant and the clear choice for North Carolina governor: He currently serves as North Carolina’s attorney general and served in the state Senate prior to his election as A.G. in 2017. As attorney general, he has been an advocate for health care access, sexual assault victims, reproductive rights, and the environment. In a critical election in the fight against extremism in North Carolina, Stein is the candidate that will protect and advocate for the Asian American community. He has protected DACA recipients, worked to implement hate crimes training in the N.C. justice system, and prioritized public education. As governor, NCAAT in Action is confident Josh Stein will continue to advocate for issues that affect our community and will protect all historically marginalized communities in our state.

“I am proud and grateful to be endorsed by NCAAT in Action. The contributions of Asian-American North Carolinians to our state’s economy and culture make our state stronger, and we need elected officials who will embrace everyone who calls North Carolina home. I am looking forward to working with NCAAT in Action in the months ahead to earn every vote, and in the years ahead to build a safer, stronger North Carolina for us all.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Rachel Hunt for North Carolina lieutenant governor.

Senator Rachel Hunt has spent her career defending and protecting North Carolina’s women and underrepresented communities. As a family law advocate, a former member of the N.C. House of Representatives, and a current state senator, Hunt has been a staunch advocate for reproductive rights and healthcare access, which affect marginalized communities at a disproportionate rate. During her time as a state senator, she introduced legislation to add reproductive rights protections to the N.C. Constitution. When elected lieutenant governor, Hunt will continue to advocate for the Asian American community by helping to expand healthcare access, working to protect abortion access, IVF, and other reproductive freedoms, and defending voting rights.

“I’m honored to receive the support of NCAAT in Action and the members they represent. I look forward to serving the nearly 500k Asian Americans living in North Carolina as your next Lieutenant Governor.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Jeff Jackson for North Carolina attorney general.

Congressman Jeff Jackson has been an outspoken advocate for voting rights, reproductive freedoms, and workers’ rights and has consistently supported legislation to defend them. In addition to his time in Congress, Jackson has a long track record of public service: He has served in the Army National Guard, as an assistant district attorney and a member of the N.C. Senate. As attorney general, Jackson will continue to fight to protect the freedoms and rights of the Asian American community. His commitment to defending the rights of DACA recipients and historically marginalized communities is critical as we work to combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination towards immigrants.

NCAAT in Action endorses Mo Green for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Mo Green has spent decades as an advocate for North Carolina’s public schools. He started his career in public education as a general counsel to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2001 before becoming chief operating officer and later deputy superintendent. Green later became the superintendent of Guilford County Schools, a position he served in for seven years. As the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 2016 to 2023, Mo Green worked to promote and uplift public education. Access to quality public education is a key issue for our community and Mo Green is an exceptional candidate to lead our public education system. As a proponent of increased language access in our schools, protecting diverse curriculum and DEI initiatives, and ensuring a safe learning environment, Green is dedicated to uplifting and investing in the success of our students. He is also an advocate for increased teacher pay, protecting LGBTQ+ students in our schools, and cross-racial solidarity in the classroom.

“I am very grateful for the endorsement of NCAAT in Action. NCAAT in Action is a leader in creating community collaboration and a more inclusive democracy. We are building a growing coalition that shares a vision of excellence for our public schools and the diverse students, staff, and families within them. I will continue to connect with folks across religious, racial, and geographic lines in our state, and will continue to listen and learn as I earn your support to be North Carolina’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Natasha Marcus for North Carolina insurance commissioner.

Senator Natasha Marcus has been a member of the N.C. Senate since 2018, during which she was a member of the Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee. During her time as a state senator, Marcus has been a proponent of reproductive rights and voting rights, including sponsoring legislation to establish an independent redistricting commission. As insurance commissioner, she will uplift the needs of our state’s underserved and underrepresented populations, including the Asian American community. Her priorities as insurance commissioner include addressing climate change and environmental damage policies, fighting for affordable insurance, and holding the Department of Insurance accountable to serving all communities equally.

“I’m honored to be endorsed by NCAAT in Action. The AAPI community is an important and growing part of our state and they deserve a Commissioner of Insurance who will work for them to provide affordable quality insurance options.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Braxton Winston for North Carolina commissioner of labor.

Braxton Winston is a union member and a former member of the Charlotte City Council, including service as Mayor Pro Tem. During his six years on the Charlotte City Council, Winston led efforts to make Charlotte a more equitable and affordable place to live and work and was a champion for immigrants’ rights and inclusion of immigrant voices. He has also been a vocal supporter of North Carolina’s workers and unions. As commissioner of labor, Braxton Winston will prioritize issues that affect Asian Americans and other underrepresented workers, including housing and child care affordability, working to reform immigration and protect immigrant workers rights, and helping provide increased health care access to North Carolina’s workers.

NCAAT in Action endorses Jessica Holmes for North Carolina State Auditor.

State Auditor Jessica Holmes is a champion for the working class and has dedicated her career to serving the people of North Carolina. Her work as State Auditor is informed by her experience living in rural North Carolina and her extensive public service record. Prior to her appointment in 2023 by Governor Roy Cooper, Holmes served as a Deputy Commissioner in the North Carolina Industrial Commission and on the Wake County Board of Commissioners, on which she became the youngest ever Chair of the board. When elected, Holmes will continue to be an ally to the Asian American community and hold our government accountable to supporting Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups.

NCAAT in Action endorses Allison Riggs for North Carolina Supreme Court.

Justice Allison Riggs has dedicated her career to defending the rights of North Carolinians. Prior to her appointment to the N.C. Supreme Court in 2023, Riggs served on the N.C. Court of Appeals and as a civil rights and voting rights attorney and as the Co-Executive Director at the Southern Coalition for Social justice. At SCSJ, she was an advocate for voting rights, the environment, and reforming the justice system. Riggs’ track record as a defender of underrepresented communities and advocacy for voting rights gives us confidence that she will continue to protect the rights of Asian Americans and other marginalized groups in our state when reelected.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of NCAAT in Action, an organization that does essential work engaging AAPI communities across North Carolina in the political process. As a justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, I value justice and inclusion for all, and I appreciate the work that NCAAT in Action does to ensure AAPI voters make their voices heard in our democracy. I look forward to continuing to learn from and engage with AAPI communities across our state.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Deborah Ross for United States Congress, North Carolina District 2.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross has spent the past two decades fighting for North Carolina, including ten years as a member of the N.C. House of Representatives and the past four years as a U.S. congresswoman. As a member of Congress, Ross has championed issues such as affordable healthcare, clean energy solutions, and protecting DACA recipients. She has advocated for the needs of Asian Americans as a member of the House Judiciary Committee and is also a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to represent the needs of her many AAPI constituents. When reelected, Ross will continue to advocate for Asian American communities by supporting legislation to codify reproductive rights at the federal level, protecting immigrants and visa holders, and defending underserved communities’ right to vote.

“My congressional district is home to a large, diverse, vibrant, growing AAPI community. These students, families, and workers contribute to our culture, our economy, and our institutions of higher education. In Congress, I have made serving this community a top priority. I am honored to be endorsed by NCAAT in Action again and look forward to our continued partnership.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Valerie Foushee for United States Congress, North Carolina District 4.

Born and raised in Orange County, N.C., Rep. Valerie Foushee has been committed to serving North Carolinians for decades. She currently serves as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District. As a representative, she has advocated for crucial issues including accessible healthcare, quality education, and defending our right to vote. In Congress, Foushee has championed working families, advocated for criminal justice reform, addressed systemic racism, and fought to protect our environment and address climate change. After conversation with NCAAT in Action, Rep. Foushee is committed to growing as a representative of her community, including quarterly policy discussions and listening sessions with NCAAT in Action.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of NCAAT in Action. I have spent my career championing progressive values and ensuring underrepresented communities have a seat at the table. I look forward to partnering with NCAAT in Action and the diverse Asian American community in my district to ensure I am able to advocate for policies in Congress that benefit the AAPI community”

NCAAT in Action endorses Lisa Grafstein for North Carolina Senate District 13

Senator Lisa Grafstein has been a tireless defender of historically marginalized North Carolinians for almost three decades. In her long career as a civil rights lawyer and as the only openly LGBTQ+ member of the N.C. Senate, Grafstein has been a vocal proponent of LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and reproductive freedoms. When reelected, Grafstein will continue to be a strong ally to the Asian American community and advocate for issues that affect us. As a state senator, she has supported initiatives to prevent hate crimes, voted to defend the voting rights of underserved groups, and supported Medicaid expansion.

“The NCAAT in Action endorsement means a great deal to me, and it is my honor to be endorsed. The NCAAT in Action endorsement is powerful because NCAAT in Action puts in the work to evaluate candidates’ commitment to the AAPI community – and the work to educate voters about the races that are critical to building inclusive communities.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Jay Chaudhuri for North Carolina Senate District 15.

Senator Jay Chaudhuri has served in the N.C. Senate since 2016 and has been an advocate and representative of Asian Americans and underrepresented communities. Prior to his time as a state senator, Chaudhuri served as senior counsel to the N.C. attorney general and N.C. state treasurer. In the state Senate, he has led efforts to codify reproductive freedoms. Chaudhuri has been a champion for AAPI voters and has led efforts to engage the Asian American community. During his time in office, he has prioritized issues such as healthcare access, public education, and supporting immigrants and other underserved communities.

NCAAT in Action endorses Gale Adcock for North Carolina Senate District 16.

Senator Gale Adcock has decades of experience as an elected official and healthcare professional and will continue to be a voice for all North Carolinians when reelected. Prior to her election to the N.C. Senate in 2022, she served in the N.C. House of Representatives and the Cary Town Council. As a nurse practitioner, Adcock has been a tireless advocate for Medicaid expansion since her election to the N.C. House in 2014 and is a proud defender of reproductive rights. When reelected, Adcock will continue to advocate for issues that affect Asian Americans in N.C., including defending immigrant rights, supporting healthcare access, and fighting for public education.

“NCAAT in Action ensures that your voices are heard and your experiences and perspectives are considered in policy making. I am proud to have their endorsement.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Mujtaba Mohammed for North Carolina Senate District 38.

Senator Mujtaba Mohammed has spent his career advocating for children’s rights and underserved communities. In addition to his time as a state senator, he has served on task forces for racial equity in criminal justice and for developmental disabilities. One of the two Asian Americans serving in the N.C. Senate, Mohammed has been a tireless advocate for Asian Americans during his time in office and has demonstrated his commitment to engaging with AAPI voters. When reelected, Mohammed will continue to push for equitable access to quality public education, supporting immigrant student rights, and fighting for a diverse and inclusive state.

NCAAT in Action endorses Ya Liu for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 21.

Representative Ya Liu was one of the first AAPI women elected to the N.C. General Assembly and has been an ally and advocate for the Asian American community throughout her time in office. Liu has been an advocate for healthcare access, senior services, and public education during her time as an N.C. representative and her previous tenure on the Cary Town Council. Outside of her time in public office, Liu is a small business owner and was a faculty member at Duke Law School. When reelected, Liu will continue to advocate for and engage with the Asian American community by continuing to fight for anti-hate crimes legislation, pushing for increased language access at the ballot box and the DMV, and supporting immigrants’ rights.

NCAAT in Action endorses Monika Johnson-Hostler for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 33

Monika Johnson-Hostler has dedicated her career to advocating for justice and change: She has spent over 20 years as the executive director of the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault and has served over 10 years on the Wake County Board of Education. Her long service in these roles has helped inform her values and core issues, including addressing systemic inequalities, supporting public education, and investing in increased affordable healthcare access. When elected, Johnson-Hostler will continue to be an advocate for all marginalized communities, including Asian Americans, through her support for immigrants’ rights, healthcare and reproductive freedoms, and anti-hate crime legislation.

NCAAT in Action endorses Evonne Hopkins for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 35

Evonne Hopkins is a champion for reproductive rights and has spent years working to help women and underserved communities in North Carolina. Through her work as a family law specialist, she has a deep understanding of the issues that affect women and marginalized groups in North Carolina, and is committed to fighting for reproductive freedoms, supporting public education, and protecting healthcare access. Hopkins has been a longtime ally to the Asian American community and has volunteered as an attorney with South Asian domestic violence victims; this is also demonstrated by her support for issues such as affordable healthcare, voting rights protection, and increased language access.

“As someone with direct family ties to the AAPI community, I am so honored to be endorsed by NCAAT and to share our vision of a legislature that represents the diversity and needs of our rapidly growing community.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Julie von Haefen for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 36

Representative Julie von Haefen has served three terms in the N.C. House of Representatives and is a longtime public school advocate: Having served as a PTA leader on the school, county, and statewide levels and as a parent of public school students, von Haefen understands the needs of all students and is guided by values of diversity and inclusion during her work as a N.C. representative. During her time in the N.C. House, von Haefen has consistently defended reproductive freedoms, voting access, and immigrant rights. When reelected, von Haefen will continue to support policies and values that serve Asian American voters by championing public education, supporting immigrant students, and promoting diversity and inclusion in our schools and in our communities.

NCAAT in Action endorses Safiyah Jackson for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 37

Safiyah Jackson is dedicated to fighting to defend and restore the rights of all North Carolinians. With a long history in business, nonprofit work, and service, including her current role as Chief Strategy Officer at the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Jackson has an understanding of the issues that affect children and marginalized communities in our state. Her priorities include fighting back against attacks on reproductive freedoms and voting rights. A child of immigrants, Jackson is a defender of immigrants’ rights and an ally to Asian Americans. We are confident in her support for issues that affect our community, including language access expansion and supporting public education.

“I’m honored to receive the NCAAT endorsement because it represents my commitment to the AAPI community. As a member of a racial minority group, I know first hand that a win for minority groups is a win for ALL people. This endorsement is even more special in a year when we have the first AAPI and black candidate for president.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Joe John for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 40

Representative Joe John has a long track record of public service in North Carolina, including over 25 years serving in the judiciary branch. During this time, he served in roles such as chief district court judge, superior court judge, and Associate Judge of the N.C. Court of Appeals. His time as a judge deeply informs his approach in the N.C. House, which he has served in for four terms, and has shaped policy initiatives such as judicial election reform. John is an ally of the Asian American community, and when reelected, will continue to support issues that affect us such as voting rights, public education, and reproductive freedoms.

NCAAT in Action endorses Maria Cervania for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 41.

Representative Maria Cervania has been a voice for Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups during her time in the N.C. House of Representatives. She has been outspoken on key issues including reproductive rights, protecting LGBTQ+ community members, and defending the rights of immigrants in our community. As one of the first AAPI women elected to the N.C. General Assembly, Cervania has taken extraordinary steps to engage with Asian American voters and to advocate for our community, including fighting a bill that banned wearing masks in public, introducing legislation to support student visa holders, and sponsoring anti-hate crime legislation.

NCAAT in Action endorses Robert Reives for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 54

Representative Robert Reives is a champion for rural North Carolina and for underserved communities across the state. He has served in the N.C. House of Representatives for the past decade with a long record of defending the rights of marginalized voters. Reives has worked to support public education and economic development in rural N.C. and has been a defender of core rights for all North Carolinians, including reproductive freedoms and voting rights. Reives’ commitment to the Asian American community is evidenced by his track record of standing up for underrepresented groups, including his opposition to anti-immigrant bills, his support for Medicaid expansion, and his engagement with AAPI voters statewide.

NCAAT in Action endorses Allen Buansi for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 56

Representative Allen Buansi is a longtime advocate for historically marginalized groups and has spent years working to support them. Prior to his election to the N.C. House of Representatives, Buansi served on the Chapel Hill Town Council. As a civil rights lawyer, he has a deep understanding of the needs of underserved communities and has brought this experience to office; he has been a vocal opponent of bills harming immigrants and restricting reproductive freedoms. Allen Buansi is a longtime ally of the Asian American community: During his time on the Chapel Hill Town Council, he helped implement language access measures for town services and programs in languages including Burmese, Karen, and Mandarin. As a state representative, he has consistently supported policies that benefit AAPI voters, including measures to protect immigrants’ rights, defense of voting rights, and introducing hate crimes legislation.

NCAAT in Action endorses Diamond Staton-Williams for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 73

Representative Diamond Staton-Williams has spent years serving Cabarrus County as a healthcare professional and elected official; in her time as a member of the Harrisburg Town Council and in the N.C. House of Representatives, Staton-Williams has prioritized policies that uplift the working class and underserved communities. As a nurse, Staton-Williams understands the need for affordable healthcare access and supporting healthcare workers; she has worked to achieve this in the N.C. House by voting to expand Medicaid and as a co-sponsor of legislation to support registered nurses. Staton-Williams has been an ally to the Asian American community in office, including support for immigrants’ rights and voting rights protections.

“I believe in advocating for others and ensuring their needs are met. I believe in learning about other cultures, respecting and valuing each other’s communities.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Beth Helfrich for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 98

Beth Helfrich spent nearly two decades as an educator: As a former teacher and school administrator, she has a deep understanding of our students’ needs, the need for quality public education, and the importance of a diverse and inclusive North Carolina. Her years of service as an educator have helped shape her core values and priorities as a candidate, including increased investment in our public schools, affordable healthcare access, and voting rights. When elected, Beth Helfrich will continue to be a voice for Asian Americans and other underserved communities through her advocacy for language access expansion and support for immigrants’ rights. We are confident that Helfrich will be a staunch advocate for our students, teachers, and historically marginalized North Carolinians.

NCAAT in Action endorses Nasif Majeed for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 99

Representative Nasif Majeed has spent decades as an advocate for justice and equity in North Carolina. Majeed. In addition to his time in the N.C. House of Representatives, Majeed has served on the Charlotte City Council and on several local and state commissions. As a Representative, he has served as a primary sponsor on anti-hate crime legislation and fought for Medicaid expansion. When reelected, Majeed will continue his work to achieve equity and protect Asian American and other underrepresented groups through his support for voting rights protections, hate crime prevention, and affordable childcare and healthcare expansion.

NCAAT in Action endorses Laura Budd for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 103

Since her election in 2022, Representative Laura Budd has been a staunch advocate for defending core rights for all North Carolinians, including reproductive freedoms and voting rights. In addition to her sponsorship of legislation to defend reproductive rights, Budd is a proponent of public education funding, supporting affordable healthcare expansion, and achieving liveable wages. Budd is committed to working alongside the Asian American community, demonstrated through her opposition to anti-immigrant bills and commitment to defending the voting rights of marginalized groups.