Qu Yiwen’s fundraising dinner was supported by the Queens Democratic Representative Platform

On October 13, State Senator Iwen Chu hosted the “AAPI for Iwen Chu” fundraising dinner in Bayside, garnering support from several elected officials in Queens, including Congresswoman Grace Meng and State Senators John Liu and Kevin Thomas. During the event, Senator Chu expressed her commitment to strengthening partnerships with Asian American representatives in Queens, aiming to collaborate on resources to build a brighter future for the Asian community.

In 2022, Iwen Chu made history as the first Asian American woman elected to the New York State Senate in its 246-year history, winning her election by a narrow margin of just 500 votes, which also marked one of the closest races in the state that year. She highlighted the increased representation of Asian Americans in politics, noting that there are now more elected officials from the community who are actively advocating for legislation and resources to protect it.

“I’m grateful for the strong foundation we’ve built among Asian American representatives in Queens,” Chu remarked. “We support one another and will continue to collaborate on both political and community initiatives in the future.”

John Liu not only expressed his wholehearted support for Chu but also addressed the challenges facing the Asian community today. He noted that the perception of China as a rival nation has led some individuals to unfairly target Asian Americans as enemies. He cited instances in New York where proposed legislation seeks to restrict property purchases by Chinese individuals, an issue that transcends boundaries and is not limited to states like Texas.

“Almost all proposals for anti-China legislation come from Republicans,” Liu explained. “This isn’t about taking sides between Democrats and Republicans; it’s about the need for strong representation. It’s clear to me that Iwen Chu must and will be re-elected.”

Senator Chu also urged the Asian community to engage more in the political process and to verify their information sources. “Sometimes, voters rely on social media, which can be rife with misinformation,” she cautioned. “I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the community and use their judgment when it comes to selecting candidates.”