The 21st Show

Growing Asian American representation in the Illinois Statehouse

Produced Christine Hatfield
 
Rep. Theresa Mah (Right-most in left photo) was the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Legislature, and she now leads the state's Asian American Legislative Caucus, which Rep.-Elect Sharon Chung (Right) will be joining in January.

Rep. Theresa Mah (Right-most in left photo) was the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Legislature, and she now leads the state's Asian American Legislative Caucus, which Rep.-Elect Sharon Chung (Right) will be joining in January. Photos via websites of Rep. Mah and Rep.-Elect Chung

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Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial demographic in Illinois. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Asians make up almost six percent of the state’s population. It also estimated the number of Asian people in Illinois increased by almost a quarter in the prior decade. But for all that growth, representation in state government has lagged. It was only in 2016 that the Illinois General Assembly had its first Asian American representative elected to office.

That representative, Theresa Mah, now leads the Illinois Legislature's Asian American Caucus, and in the coming term, the members of that caucus will grow from four to nine. The 21st was joined by Rep. Mah and one of the incoming members to discuss their elections, representation, and where the caucus goes from here.

GUESTS: 

Theresa Mah

State Representative, 24th District (D-Chicago) | Leader, state Asian American Legislative Caucus

Sharon Chung

State Representative-Elect, 91st District (D-Bloomington-Normal) | Incoming member, Asian American Legislative Caucus

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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