FilAms elected, reelected in historic 2024 election
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) said the 2024 election saw historic wins for Filipino American leaders across the United States, each advancing a “shared vision for a more inclusive nation.” More than 2.14 million FilAms cast their votes across the nation,especially in key battleground states.
“This election year highlights the importance of civic engagement, and we are proud of how Filipino Americans have participated,” stated NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher.
NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores emphasized the significance of this election: “Calling this election consequential is an understatement. Many of us feel the weight of this moment…NaFFAA will continue to champion efforts to ensure that our voices are heard.” NaFFAA President-elect Ryan Namata emphasized, “Our votes are powerful, our voices matter, and our unity is our strength. Together, let’s advocate for our rights, promote our heritage, and inspire future generations to lead with conviction and courage.”
The election saw groundbreaking wins for the following FilAm leaders.
First-Time Wins:
- Christopher Cabaldon – First Filipino American elected to the California State Senate, District 3, and former Mayor of West Sacramento.
- Jessica Caloza – First Filipina American elected to the California State Assembly, representing District 52.
- Angelito Tenorio – First Filipino American elected to Wisconsin’s State Assembly, District 14.
- Ysabel Jurado – First Filipino American elected to the Los Angeles City Council, District 14.
- Ryyn Schumacher – First and only Filipino American, and first openly gay person of color elected to San Buenaventura City Council, CA.
- Tatiana Yokoyama Bui – Elected to the ABC Unified School District Board of Trustees, Area 4.
Re-Election Wins:
- U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3) – The only Member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, serving in Congress for 32 years.
- Genevieve Mina – Re-elected Alaska State Representative, District 19, and the first and only Filipino American in the Alaska Legislature.
- Junelle Cavero Harnal – First Filipina American in the Arizona State Legislature, re-elected to District 11.
- Trish La Chica – First Filipino-born American in Hawaii’s House of Representatives, re-elected for District 37.
- Steven Raga – New York State Assemblymember for District 30, the first and only Filipino American in this position.
- Maria Cervania – North Carolina State Representative for District 41, the first and only Filipino American in the state legislature and one of the first two Asian American women elected to this body.
- Justin Jones – Tennessee State Representative for District 52, the first and only Filipino American in the Tennessee Legislature.
- Todd Gloria – Mayor of San Diego, CA, the first Filipino American, first person of color, and first openly LGBTQ+ individual in this role.
- Juslyn Manalo – Re-elected to Daly City Council, CA, previously serving as Mayor, the first Filipina American in this role.
- Corey Calaycay – Claremont Mayor Pro Tem, District 1, CA, serving 19 years and the first Filipino American Mayor of Claremont.
- Alexander Walker-Griffin – Elected to Hercules City Council, CA, as the youngest council member in the city’s history.
- Nikki Villavicencio – Maplewood City Council Member, MN, the first disabled Filipinx council member.
- Emily Ann Ramos – First Filipino American on Mountain View City Council, CA, a strong advocate for housing and tenant protections.
- Mark Nagales – Re-elected to South San Francisco City Council, CA, and former Mayor of South San Francisco.
The NaFFAA team is actively compiling the list of officials elected in 2024. If you are aware of additional FilAms elected this cycle, please reach out to mark.eyo@naffaa.org.