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NEW YORK — Filipino Americans across the United States are entering the 2026 election cycle with a broad slate of campaigns spanning local, statewide, and federal offices, marking one of the most active political years yet for the Fil‑Am community. From California’s statehouse to New York’s Senate races, Nevada’s county commissions, and Hawai‘i’s legislature, Filipino American candidates are seeking reelection or aiming to break new ground in public office.
The surge reflects both demographic growth and rising civic engagement among the nation’s largest Asian American ethnic group. Many candidates enter the cycle with strong incumbency advantages, deep community networks, or established public service records.
California: Largest Slate of Fil-Am Candidates
California continues to host the most expansive roster of Filipino American candidates, including several high‑profile incumbents.
Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to serve as California Attorney General, is running for reelection. In a recent statement, Bonta emphasized his office’s legal battles defending state rights, saying that California remains a “legal fortress” against federal overreach, according to reporting by Inquirer USA. Bonta’s statewide visibility and fundraising strength position him as a formidable contender.
Jessica Caloza, Assemblymember for District 52, is also seeking reelection. Her platform centers on affordability, renters’ protections, and support for small businesses and nonprofits — issues that resonate strongly in her Los Angeles district. Caloza, a former public works commissioner, has built a reputation for community‑driven legislation.
Local Leaders Seeking State Posts
Two prominent Southern California officials are pursuing higher office.
Mark Pulido, Cerritos mayor pro tem and former city councilmember, is running for the State Assembly in District 67. Pulido’s long record in education and municipal governance gives him a deep base in a district with a sizable Asian American electorate.
Melissa Ramoso, Artesia mayor pro tem, is seeking reelection after years of community advocacy, pandemic response leadership, and anti‑hate initiatives. Her visibility during the COVID‑19 crisis and her work on public safety have strengthened her standing among voters.
Transparency and Accountability Candidates
Kenneth Mejia, the Los Angeles City Controller, is running for a second term. Known for his data‑driven transparency tools and public audits, Mejia has built a national profile for financial accountability. Early local polling shows him leading, according to Inquirer USA’s elections desk.
Stephanie Loredo, president of the Culver City Unified School District Board, is seeking reelection while emphasizing fiscal stewardship amid statewide funding challenges.
New York: A Historic State Senate Bid
In New York, Assemblymember Steven Raga — the first Filipino American elected to the state legislature — is running for the New York State Senate (District 12). If successful, he would become the first Fil‑Am state senator in New York history.
Raga’s platform focuses on affordability, housing, healthcare, and immigrant rights, issues central to Queens voters. “Our communities deserve representation that understands the challenges of working families,” Raga said in a recent statement. His campaign has drawn support from labor groups and immigrant‑rights organizations.
Nevada: Expanding Fil-Am Presence
Nevada features a growing slate of Filipino American candidates: Minddie Lloyd for Clark County Commission District F, emphasizing affordability, infrastructure, and community safety; Maria Teresa Hank for State Assembly District 9, highlighting labor advocacy and her work on Nevada’s KinCare bill; and Luis Paniagua for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District, adding to the expanding list of Fil‑Am federal candidates.
Nevada’s rapidly growing Filipino population — now one of the largest in the mainland U.S. — has made the state a rising center of Fil‑Am political activity.
Hawai‘i: Strongest Fil-Am Incumbent Base in the Nation
Hawai‘i remains the state with the highest number of Filipino American elected officials per capita, and several incumbents are expected to seek reelection in 2026.
Among them are: Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the powerful Senate Ways & Means Committee; Rep. Rose Martinez, representing District 40 in West O‘ahu; Rep. Val Okimoto, known for fiscal conservatism and education advocacy; and Rep. Cory Chun, representing a heavily Filipino district in Central O‘ahu.
At the county level, Honolulu City Councilmembers Radiant Cordero and Brandon Elefante are also expected to run for reelection, representing districts with some of the largest Filipino populations in the country.
“Filipino Americans are essential to Hawai‘i’s civic life,” said a spokesperson for the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i. “Their leadership reflects the community’s deep roots and growing influence.”
A Growing Political Force
While competitiveness varies by race, analysts note that incumbency, demographic shifts, and strong community networks give several Fil‑Am candidates solid positioning heading into 2026. Their campaigns reflect a broader trend: Filipino Americans are no longer emerging political players — they are becoming a formidable, organized presence in American public life.
