ASPIRE PAC

The ASPIRE PAC, formerly known as the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Leadership PAC (CAPAC Leadership PAC), was established in 2011 by Congresswoman Judy Chu to support candidates of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent and advocate for AAPI community issues. The PAC has played a significant role in electing AAPI members of Congress, including six newly elected officials in the 2012 elections such as Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Rep. Ami Bera. In the 2014 elections, it supported Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Mark Takai. Today, there are 14 AAPI members of Congress.

The PAC's board includes Congresswoman Grace Meng as Chair, succeeding Judy Chu, who remains Immediate Past Chair and continues her role with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Other notable board members include Congressman Mike Honda, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, Rep. Madeleine Bordallo, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Barbara Lee, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Gregorio Sablan, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Reps. Mark Takai and Mark Takano.

In 2016, ASPIRE PAC endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, Tammy Duckworth for Senate, Chris Van Hollen for Senate, and several congressional candidates. In the 2020 elections, it supported candidates like Pritesh Gandhi, Jackie Gordon, Gina Ortiz Jones, Kai Kahele, Sri Preston Kulkarni, Hiral Tipirneni, Candace Valenzuela, and Sima Ladjevardian.