Endorsees include Indian American Nabeela Syed, running to be the first South Asian woman in the state legislature
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has announced his endorsements for four key Asian American candidates in Illinois State House races, including two Indian Americans, Nabeela Syed and Kevin Olickal.
If elected, community organizer Syed working for a non-profit in digital strategy supporting a variety of their civic engagement efforts, will be the first South Asian woman in the state legislature.
Besides Syed for Illinois’ 51st District, Krishnamoorthi announced endorsements for Kevin Olickal for district 16, Janet Yang Rohr for district 41, and Sharon Chung for district 91.
“As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in the US Congress, as well as just one of four individuals of South Asian descent in all of Congress, I am deeply honored to announce my endorsement of several candidates of AAPI origin who will bring their tremendous talents to the Illinois General Assembly,” he said.
“I am excited to offer my strong support for Nabeela Syed to represent Illinois’ 51st District,” Krishnamoorthi noted.
“As a Palatine native, Nabeela is a skilled organizer who has dedicated her professional career to advancing numerous causes to improve the economic and social well-being of our local communities, whether it be protecting a woman’s right to choose, strengthening Asian American representation and civic participation, or ensuring small businesses can grow and thrive. One thing is abundantly clear: We Need Nabeela!”
“There are few elected leaders in Illinois that have shown the passion and dedication for the communities they represent like Congressman Krishnamoorthi,” said Nabeela Syed.
“For me, receiving Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s endorsement is a testament to how hard our campaign has been at work,” she said.
“To know I have the support of a congressional champion on issues like green job creation, honoring our commitments to veterans, and standing up for working families is truly humbling.
“I look forward to championing these issues and many others in Springfield to benefit our mutual constituents and all Illinoisans. I am incredibly grateful to have Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s support behind our campaign.”
Read: AAPI Victory Fund endorses New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (October 22, 2021)
Kevin Olickal
“I am proud to heartily endorse Kevin Olickal to represent Illinois’ 16th District,” Krishnamoorthi added. “As a lifelong Skokie resident, Kevin has demonstrated an unrivaled commitment to improving conditions for working families, whether it be by helping small businesses and non-profits secure Covid-19 relief, fighting for the right of workers to organize, or advocating to ensure all residents have access to affordable healthcare. Kevin has my full support.”
“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Krishnamoorthi, the first South Asian American elected to Congress in Illinois,” said Kevin Olickal.
“At a time when ethical representation, transparency, and integrity are needed most in government, I am proud to have support from a leader on these issues and a champion for working families.”
Janet Yang Rohr
“I am very pleased to announce my strong support for Representative Janet Yang Rohr to be re-elected to serve the constituents of Illinois’ 41st district,” said Krishnamoorthi.
“In her experience as a business leader and in Springfield, Representative Yang Rohr has led efforts to cut taxes for working families, protect women’s reproductive rights, and lower burdensome fees on small businesses. She is the right choice to lead Naperville and the surrounding area to an even more prosperous future.”
“It’s an honor to have Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s endorsement for my re-election as state representative,” said Rohr.
“The Congressman has time and again delivered results for working families in Illinois, and I look forward to working with him to amplify our collective efforts in Congress and the General Assembly, making sure all Illinoisans have every opportunity to prosper.”
Sharon Chung
“I am very proud to endorse Sharon Chung to represent Illinois’ 91st District, which covers Central Illinois and my hometown of Peoria,” said.
“Sharon has served on the McLean County Board for several years, where she has fought for fiscal responsibility and workforce development, among other issues. As a mother and classical musician, Sharon is going to advocate for robust public education funding that will propel our youth to excel academically, socially, and economically.”
“Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi serves the people of Illinois in Congress with determination, passion, and humility,” said Sharon Chung. “The example he sets is one I plan to emulate in the Illinois General Assembly, and I’m honored to receive his endorsement!”