Nov. 4th was a tough day for those hoping to increase the number of Asian American Democrats in Congress.  Not only did Ashwin Madia (MN-03) and Ed Chau (CA-42) lose their races in Minnesota and California, but the Republicans managed to add two AAPI's to their ranks: Steve Austria (OH-07) and Joseph Cao (LA-02). (Look for Cao to lose handily in the heavily-Democratic district in 2010, but the Filipino-American Austria looks safe.) Now, with Obama's nomination of Hilda Solis to be Labor Secretary and Hillary Clinton's winning confirmation as Secretary of State, AAPI Dems have a chance of actually adding two more members to their caucus: Board of Equalization member and steadfast progressive Judy Chu has already announced her candidacy and launched her website. Judy faces a tough race against CA State Senator Gil Cedillo in the heavily-Latino district, but she has the backing of a lot of major players, including leaders like Dolores Huerta. I think Judy's chances are pretty good here. The date of the special election still has not been announced since Solis's nomination is being held up by Republicans, but once the date is chose, expect a mad dash to the finish line. To support Judy, please check out her website. On the other side of the country, Clinton's appointment as Secretary of State has started a domino effect that could add another AAPI Democrat to Congress.  With Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20) moving up to the U.S. Senate, the local Democratic party in the upstate district must name a candidate to represent the party on the ballot in their upcoming special election. One of the six finalists is Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Ron Kim. Kim's bio from a press release from the county party: "Ron Kim, Saratoga Springs: Kim currently serves as the Commissioner of Public Safety in the City of Saratoga Springs, with oversight for Police, Fire and EMS services; additionally, he is an attorney in private practice in Saratoga Springs, specializing in bankruptcy, consumer and employee rights litigation. He received his BA from Colgate University, MA from the University of Chicago and JD from Fordham Law in NYC. Kim has participated extensively in professional, volunteer and community activities." I'm not familiar with Kim and his policies, but would love to know more. Update - Looks like Kim didn't get it. There's still Judy though!