As Filipino-American History Month comes to a close, and the anticipation of the November election rolls in, we acknowledge the impact of the Filipino- American community and realize the pivotal roles in which Filipino American leaders play in representing local and state offices.
As the years have passed, more Filipino- Americans have played a vital role in political and economic history, both as voters and leading candidates for official public office positions.
4 Filipino- American government officials are paving the way for Filipino- American communities in California, emerging out of primary elections and on ballots for their respective regions. Hailing from cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, each candidate brings a sense of pride in their heritage, as they look to represent local and state offices.
Jessica Caloza
Filipina candidate Jessica represents Assembly District 52 of the Los Angeles Area. With experience in working with the Los Angeles City Government, the California state attorney general’s office and the Obama administration, the democratic candidate strives to uplift and fund those working in the education system, achieve better accessibility for women’s health, and opportunities for housing construction. She is the first Filipina American to serve on the Board of Public Works and is the lead Commissioner for the Bureau of Engineering. Her name will be on ballots going into November, and if elected, she will be the first Filipina American in the California State legislature.
About Jessica M. Caloza | Department of Public Works
Christopher Cabaldon
In his running for State Senate District 3, Christopher Cabaldon brings his experience in working as the Mayor of West Sacramento to the potential role as California state senator. Cabaldon was the first openly gay Filipino in the country to be elected mayor and longest serving LGBT mayor in the country. Nationally recognized and appointed by former President Barack Obama, Cabalon represents the democratic party in hopes to continue his work in fighting for environmental protection, accessible education, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. He takes pride in his Filipino heritage and initiates several movements to support Filipino and AAPI communities.
Ysabel Jurado
Ysabel Jurado, from Los Angeles, is in the running for next council member representing District 14. Jurado has built up her legacy since the very beginning, being the daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, a single teen mother, a recognized UCLA alum, tenants rights attorney, and now, running for office. Jurado’s role as an attorney fights for the rights of homeowners and small businesses, whereas in running for City Council, she hopes to continue to pave the way for Los Angeles communities concerning housing, ending homelessness, taking on climate change, and more initiatives. She will be representing the democratic party going into elections.
Todd Gloria
Coming in strong as San Diego’s 37th Mayor, 3rd Generation San Diegan Todd Gloria offers a sense of knowledge and experience in serving two terms on San Diego’s City Council, where he was also elected City Council President, served as interim mayor, and also played a role on the California State Assembly. During his time in being Mayor, Gloria had committed himself to the San Diego community by repairing almost 949 miles of roads, upgrading parks, and pushing to improve community resources and necessities like local fire stations and libraries. Over the past three years, Gloria has successfully placed over 3,600 individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and has more than doubled shelters and resources for those with housing needs. Gloria hopes to continue to pave the way for San Diegans residents as he hopes to continue his efforts in representing the city again as Mayor.
With more Filipino- American representation in the political sphere, comes the attention of more and more Filipino- American citizens to cast their votes.
For example, within Jessica Caloza’s District 52, which covers Glendale and various parts of the Los Angeles area, there are about 13,000 registered Filipino- American voters. Not only do these voters represent the growing number of involvement within the election, but having these 4 Filipino- American campaigns itself signify the growing representation of Asian Americansin the running for official government positions. Since 1980, the number of AAPI’s in the public office has grown from 160 to 463 in 2016.
According to the 2024 Asian American Voting Survey, 90% of Filipino- Americans are planning to vote this November 5th. Of those Fil- Ams, 39% percent of the group identified as Democrat, 22% identified as Republican, 30% claimed as an Independent party, 3% identified as other party, while the remaining 6% did not know or refused to answer. Asian Americans are the fastest growing voting group in the United States. That being said, there is no doubt that with the power of Fil-Am representation in office brings a new wave of eligible AAPI voters. Those of whom can potentially make a lasting impact on the future of the United States, and on the future of Asian American empowerment and leadership.
To find more information on the election happening November 6th, ballot drop off locations, voting polls and more, visit https://www.sdvote.com.