By Cesar Antonio Nucum Jr

WASHINGTON DC – Filipino Americans continue to celebrate the “inspiring victories” in communities across the nation of fellow FilAms in the November 5 election even as they acknowledge the victory of former President Donald Trump and thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for her historic and inspiring campaign.

The FilAms led by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Filipino Americans for Harris Walz (FAFHW), at the same time, vowed that they will continue to support initiatives that empower Filipino Americans and promote a vision of inclusivity and equity.

“The success of Filipino Americans in local and state races this year brings renewed hope for greater representation. These elected leaders will continue to champion community values and ensure Filipino American voices are heard at every level of government,” the groups stated.

“This election year highlights the importance of civic engagement, and we are proud of how Filipino Americans have participated,” said NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher.”Our mission is to empower every Filipino American, encouraging informed voting and active involvement in shaping our nation’s future.”

FAFHW National Co-Chair Mario Salazar emphasized, “While celebrating the wins, this election showed where strength must be built. It is essential to reflect on these shifts, understand them, and adapt strategies to meet communities where they are—especially as the organization looks toward the future of organizing and coalition-building.”

The NaFFAA also invited “Filipino Americans to stay engaged, informed, and united in shaping our community and our nation as President-elect Donald Trump transitions into office

 NaFFAA, as a nonpartisan organization, “remains dedicated to fostering civic engagement and expanding representation across all levels of government, amplifying the voice and influence of Filipino Americans in the democratic process,” the group stated.

The foremost FilAm umbrella of organization also noted that the 2024 election underscored the significant impact of Filipino American voters with over 2.14 million Filipino Americans casting their votes across the nation, especially in key battleground states reflecting the “Filipino community’s dedication to participating in the democratic process” that also saw historic wins for Filipino American leaders across the United States, each advancing a shared vision for a more inclusive nation.

” We look forward to engaging in discussions with the administration to advocate for policies that benefit our communities and align with our shared values,” Fletcher added.

NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores emphasized the significance of the just concluded election: “Calling this election consequential is an understatement. Many of us feel the weight of this moment, but I hope that, regardless of the outcome, we can come together as Americans. The unity and strength within our community demonstrate our shared heritage and commitment to building a brighter future. NaFFAA will continue to champion efforts to ensure that our voices are heard.”

The FAFHW, on its part, also lauded Harris, saying “Her candidacy has been a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress, especially for Filipino Americans and all communities striving for representation and democracy.”

“Vice President Harris’s leadership energized millions and showcased the power of diverse voices in shaping the nation’s future,” said FAFHW National Co-Chair  Melissa Ramoso and Genevieve Jopanda. 

In a statement, NaFFAA said it is inspired by the achievements of these leaders and “remains steadfast in its mission to support Filipino Americans and increase representation across government.”

“Our votes are powerful, our voices matter, and our unity is our strength,” said NaFFAA President-elect Ryan Namata. “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 Filipino American leaders across the nation, including:

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 – First Filipino-Japanese American 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.

Mayor Gloria immediately thanked the voters of San Diego. “Please accept my heartfelt thank you for helping me win re-election as San Diego’s mayor,” Gloria said. “We have an incredible opportunity to move San Diego forward on all the critical issues we talked about in this campaign, and that’s in big part thanks to you.”

Turner has not conceded.

NaFFAA said it is inspired by the achievements of these leaders and remains steadfast in its mission to support Filipino Americans and increase representation across government.