Becerra Hosts AAPI GOTV Rally in San Gabriel Valley, Backed by Judy Chu and Local Elected Officials

LAPost/Monterey Park, CA (May 24, 2026) — With just 11 days remaining before California’s gubernatorial election, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) rally in Monterey Park on May 24, drawing nearly 100 AAPI supporters, labor representatives, community leaders, and elected officials.

The event was held at NBC Seafood Restaurant in Monterey Park and was hosted by California Assemblymember Mike Fong. Attendees included Congresswoman Judy Chu, local elected officials, labor leaders, and Chinatown community representatives, all showing support for Becerra’s campaign for governor of California.

In her remarks, Judy Chu said she has known Becerra for 36 years, dating back to his early days serving as a state assemblymember representing Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley. She noted that the two later served together in Congress, and she has witnessed his long career in public service, including his time as California Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Chu emphasized Becerra’s longstanding advocacy for minority communities and vulnerable populations, particularly on issues such as language access, immigration reform, and healthcare protections.

“He understands our communities and truly understands the challenges facing the AAPI community,” Chu said.

She also highlighted Becerra’s past representation of diverse communities including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Filipinotown during his years in Congress. As California Attorney General, she said, Becerra repeatedly challenged Trump administration policies in court to protect immigrants and minority communities in California.

According to Chu, Becerra possesses the “experience, character, integrity, and leadership” needed to represent California’s diverse population.

In his speech, Becerra focused on community unity, healthcare protections, and combating hate crimes. He said Asian Americans and other minority groups continue to face acts of hate and discrimination, and stressed the importance of defending democracy and voting rights.

He argued that California needs leaders who understand the real struggles facing immigrant families and working-class communities, including rising living costs, healthcare challenges, and housing affordability.

“We must make sure every community is heard and every family has opportunities,” Becerra said.

Becerra also thanked the AAPI community for its longtime support and emphasized his deep ties to the San Gabriel Valley. He noted that he once lived in Monterey Park and previously represented the area, giving him a close understanding of AAPI community concerns.

During a media interview, Becerra said he was encouraged to see growing support from AAPI community leaders across California. He added that in the final stretch of the campaign, connecting directly with voters remains critical through phone calls, social media outreach, and volunteer canvassing.

“People need to know who the candidates are and what they stand for, and community engagement is the most important part of that process,” he said.

In a separate interview, Judy Chu reiterated that support for Becerra within the AAPI community continues to grow. She said Becerra not only understands the Chinese American community, but has also spent decades advocating for AAPI issues throughout his political career.

“He understands our needs and knows how to fight for resources and protections for the AAPI community at the state level,” Chu said.

Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, said Becerra has been a trusted ally of the AAPI community for decades.

Fong noted that Becerra represented Monterey Park and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities during his time in the State Assembly in the 1990s, and later represented several historic Asian American neighborhoods while serving in Congress.

Fong also pointed out that during Becerra’s tenure as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, he worked closely on White House AAPI initiatives and continued promoting language access policies to help immigrant communities better access government and healthcare services.

Peter Ng, Executive Director of the Chinatown Service Center, also spoke at the event, saying Becerra has long supported Asian American communities and grassroots healthcare organizations. He noted that the Chinatown Service Center has worked with Becerra since 2007, and that Becerra has consistently shown concern for healthcare and community service issues affecting Asian Americans.

Peter Ng said he hopes Becerra will continue advancing California’s multicultural communities and improving quality of life for residents across the state.

(By: Richard Ren / LAPost)