Second Generation Endorses South Asian Americans Running For Pennsylvania Office

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) – Second Generation, the federal political action committee that seeks to empower immigrant communities in the political process, kicked off its engagement in the 2020 Democratic primary by announcing  endorsements for two South Asian Americans running for state office in Pennsylvania: Nina Ahmad and Nikil Saval, both of Philadelphia. Ahmad is running for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Saval is running to represent the First Senatorial District of Pennsylvania. 

“It’s truly historic to see not one, but two, South Asian Americans running competitive races for major political office,” said Siobhan Lyons, Chair of Second Generation. “We applaud Nina and Nikil for infusing the political landscape with new energy and pledging to use their platforms to fight for marginalized immigrant communities.”

Ahmad, who lives in Mt. Airy, came to the United States from Bangladesh at the age of 21. A scientist and staunch advocate of human rights, Ahmad has served as Deputy Mayor of Public Engagement under Mayor Jim Kenney; on the Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under President Obama; and as President of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization of Women.

"I am thrilled and honored to receive this endorsement,” said Ahmad. “As an immigrant without an extensive support system, validation of my candidacy by Second Generation is critical and affirming. I am committed to working towards a ‘more perfect union’ so all communities can thrive, regardless of where they were born."

Saval, who resides in South Philadelphia, is the son of immigrants from Bangalore, India.  He is an acclaimed author and thought leader on issues ranging from architecture to labor and employment.  A longtime community organizer and co-founder of Reclaim Philadelphia, Saval has successfully built diverse coalitions to advance progressive candidates and issues across Philadelphia.

"As the child of immigrants from India, I am proud to have earned the support of Second Generation,” said Saval. “The First Senate District is increasingly diverse and comprised of immigrants from all over the world. As a child, I learned the importance of hospitality, refuge, and asylum, and the need to have solidarity among immigrants and people of color, regardless of documentation. I'm committed to fighting xenophobia, racism, and ignorance at a local level, and to expanding the public goods and services available to all people."

The candidacies of Ahmad and Saval launch from foundations that they each built in 2018.  That spring, Ahmad was the runner-up in the competitive five-way Democratic primary election for Lieutenant Governor, finishing ahead of the incumbent as well as all other candidates from Southeastern Pennsylvania. Then, as part of the historic reformation of Philadelphia’s 2nd ward, Saval became the first Asian American in city history to be elected as a Democratic ward leader. 

Through endorsements and financial resources, Second Generation promotes the political engagement of immigrant communities that have not been fully included in the political process where they live. Last year, SecGen’s inaugural slate propelled the historic victories of trailblazers like Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Chester County Prothonotary Debbie Bookman.