San Diego, Calif. (March 8, 2016) – San Diego Asian Americans for Equality (SDAAFE) Foundation today announced its endorsement of Denise Gitsham, a Chinese American Candidate running in the 52nd Congressional District of California. Denise’s mother, a Chinese immigrant who came to the United States via Taiwan, instilled in Denise a deep appreciation for freedom, and a desire for justice. If elected, Denise would be the first Chinese Republican Congresswoman in the history of our nation, representing a district in which every one in five voters is of Asian descent.
“SDAAFE is a non-partisan political organization, whose purpose is to promote Asian American values and participation in the American political process. Denise has demonstrated a commitment to the values we hold dear: hard work, freedom, merit-based advancement, and a level playing field for all. She will improve the welfare and promote the interests of the Asian community at large, and we are proud to support her in one of the most exciting Congressional races this fall,” said Frank Xu, President of SDAAFE.
Denise’s vocal support for and commitment to seeing justice served in the case of Officer Peter Liang’s highly publicized trial elevated her national prominence both locally and nationally within the Asian American community. Denise is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, and addressed the crowds gathered on Officer Liang’s behalf in Balboa Park in both English and Chinese, advocating for justice, and encouraging fellow participants to get active in the political system.
“I am humbled and honored to have earned the endorsement of SDAAFE, which advocates on behalf of the interests of the Asian community by seeking equality and justice for all. Once elected, I will ensure that the community’s priorities are always acknowledged and addressed in Congress,” said Gitsham.