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Our Story
About Asian American Democrats of Texas
Asian American Democrats of Texas (AADT) is the officially recognized Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) caucus of the Texas Democratic Party (TDP). Since 1990, AADT has been dedicated to empowering and amplifying AANHPI voices, increasing political engagement, and advancing policies that support our communities. Through voter outreach, advocacy, and leadership development, AADT remains the driving force for AANHPI representation in Texas politics.
A Brief History
AANHPIs have played a pivotal role in shaping Democratic Party politics for decades. At the 1990 Texas Democratic State Convention in Houston, AADT was founded by the Honorable Robert W. Gee, former Houston Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Quan, Mark Lee, and Judy Lee. The TDP officially recognized AADT as its AANHPI caucus, making it the sole representative of AANHPI communities in the state.
In the years that followed, leaders such as Rogene Gee Calvert, Judge Hannah Chow (the first AANHPI elected to the judicial bench in Texas), and Judge Toni Ingversen played key roles in growing the organization. In 2002, Houston businessman Bien Tran served two terms as AADT President until 2006.
The 2006 Texas Democratic State Convention in Fort Worth marked a historic milestone: AANHPIs were elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC*) for the first time. At this convention, Farrukh Shamsi (Senate District 7) and Arif Gafur (SD 17) became SDEC members, and party rules were amended to include two perpetual add-on members from the AANHPI caucus. As a result, Mini Timmaraju, then-President of AADT and now a leading reproductive rights advocate, and AJ Durrani, then-Vice President, joined the SDEC representing the caucus.
In 2012, SDEC member Farrukh Shamsi was elected Vice Chair for Finance of the state party, holding the third-highest leadership position in the TDP. In 2016, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) granted Texas an additional at-large seat**. At the 2016 Texas Democratic State Convention in San Antonio, AJ Durrani became the first AANHPI from Texas elected to the DNC to represent the caucus. Kathleen Hoang was also elected as the DNC youth representative, making them the first AANHPIs from Texas to serve at the national party.
Since 1990, over 50 AANHPIs from Texas have served as national delegates to the Democratic National Conventions, further solidifying AADT's impact at all levels of the Democratic Party.
*The SDEC carries out the work of the party across Texas, composed of leaders from the state's 38 congressional districts elected at each convention, along with caucus representatives and party officers.
**DNC members from Texas serve as representatives to the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
AADT founding members Robert W. Gee and Gordon Quan, seated, with former DNC member AJ Durrani, former AADT President Mini Timmaraju, and former TDP Vice Chair for Finance Farrukh Shamsi, standing behind them (left to right). Photo taken in 2008.
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Former AADT President Razi Asaduddin, AADT founding member Robert W. Gee, and former AADT Vice President Francine Ly at the 2022 Texas Democratic State Convention in Dallas.
AADT founding members Mark Lee and Judy Lee, with former AADT President Nabila Mansoor (far right), at the 2020 Johnson Rayburn Richards Dinner in Houston.
Our Work Today
AADT continues to lead statewide efforts to mobilize AANHPI voters, advocate for policies that uplift our communities, and support Democratic candidates—especially those of AANHPI descent—who champion equity, inclusion, and justice.
We are committed to ensuring that AANHPIs have a strong, lasting voice in Texas politics by:
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Educating candidates and elected officials on the priorities and needs of AANHPIs in Texas
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Promoting the Democratic Party's values of economic justice and social progress
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Encouraging AANHPI participation at every level of the party and in campaigns
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Recruiting, supporting, and electing AANHPI Democrats to public office
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Expanding and protecting AANHPI representation within the party's leadership
Our mission is simple: to build lasting political power for AANHPIs in Texas and transform our community into a cohesive, influential, and united force in Texas politics.
Join us as we build on our legacy and create a stronger future for AANHPIs in Texas!