U.S. Sen. Cory Booker hosted a get-out-the-vote rally for Asian American, Pacific Islander and South Asian communities on October 28 at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey, drawing more than 600 attendees from across the state, according to a statement.
Booker was joined by U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Frank Pallone and Asian American, Pacific Islander and South Asian elected officials and community leaders from New Jersey.
The statement described the gathering as an opportunity for residents to hear from federal, state and local leaders ahead of the November 3 general election. It also emphasized the communities’ growing civic engagement and their longstanding relationships with elected officials.
“I am proud to stand with New Jersey’s South Asian, Asian American & Pacific Islander communities, and look forward to having their support at the ballot box next Tuesday. This is a growing and vibrant community that will make its voice heard to elect leaders who will fight for them,” Booker said.
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“Whether it’s the vibrant Indian American community throughout Hudson and Middlesex Counties, the Chinese American community from Central Jersey, Korean Americans from Bergen County or so many other communities across the state, the contributions that these communities have made and continue to make personify the great diversity, talent and accomplishments of our great state and the country as a whole.”
The rally also underscored the increasing representation of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and South Asians in government, the statement said. Participants included Kim, the first Korean American elected to the U.S. Senate, and Indian American leaders serving in state and municipal offices.
According to the statement, New Jersey has one of the nation’s largest Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, with established communities in Middlesex, Bergen, Hudson, Morris and other counties. It highlighted their contributions to the state’s economy, culture and civic life through entrepreneurship, public service, education and community organizations.
The rally took place six days before the November 3 general election.
