Reep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., speaks during a House Small Business Committee hearing on oversight of the Small Business Administration and Department of Treasury pandemic programs on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Erin Scott/AP Photo)
U.S. Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey has launched a political action committee to help Asian Americans and other people of color run for office.
The In Our Hearts PAC formed in late 2020, but went public on Wednesday. It will endorse and donate to candidates running for office, but also recruit and train people interested in becoming an elected official.
In a statement, Kim said he created the committee to empower candidates of color who may be discouraged from running — like he was.
“When I first ran for Congress, insiders told me I can’t win because my majority-white district wouldn’t vote for an Asian American or a candidate of any color. With the help of many people, we proved them wrong and I want to now work with you to lift up AAPI and other candidates of color all over the country,” said Kim, the first Korean American from New Jersey to serve in Congress.
“If AAPI and other minorities don’t fight for a seat at the table, we’ll never have a say in the solutions necessary. We can win seats at the table if we realize that the power to make change is in our hands. This PAC will aim to serve as a catalyst for change and support those eager and ready to make it,” he added.
Anthony DeAngelo, a spokesperson for Kim said the training piece of the PAC is still being developed. He would not disclose how much the committee has raised to date.
Federal Election Commission data shows the PAC raised $20,000 last year.
Get daily updates from WHYY News!
Sign up