Back at the end of May and first weekend of June, the California State Democratic Party held its annual convention in San Francisco, and I had the great pleasure to have attend the 2019 California State Democratic Party convention as well as an Asian American hosted and themed party, ‘Crazy, Political Asians.’ The last time I had attended the California State Democratic Party convention was back in 2016 when it was held locally in San Jose.
What made it special this time around was that 11 presidential candidates were in attendance to speak (as well as hold rallies of their own),
(photographs courtesy of 8Asians)
including Asian American candidates:
Senator Kamala Harris (photograph courtesy of 8Asians)
and Representative Tulsi Gabbard (photograph courtesy of 8Asians).
I am puzzled why Andrew Yang didn’t attend, considering California is an early primary state with the largest Asian American population.
Specific to issues that might affect Asian Americans more so than others, a few candidates did discuss about immigration and a path for citizenship for Dreamers (Asians make up approximately 14% of unauthorized immigrants in the United States.)
Also, I had the great pleasure to attend an Asian American themed party at the convention, ‘Crazy, Political Asians’ which was hosted by the California API Legislative Caucus:
with the primary Master of Ceremonies Assemblymember David Chiu along with and in attendance, Assemblymembers Rob Bonta, Evan Low, Phil Ting, Ash Kalra, Kansen Chu, Ed Chau, Todd Gloria, Al Muratsuchi, Adrin Nazarian & Senator Richard Pan along with Treasurer Fiona Ma & Controller Betty Yee.
which was held at the beautiful Saint Joseph’s Arts Society.
A nice surprise in attendance were Julián Castro, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2014 to 2017) under Obama and 2002 presidential candidate
and his twin brother Representative Joaquin Castro.
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Disgusted
- Sad
- Angry
