Our Story
In June 1990, as Democrats from across Texas gathered in Houston for the Texas Democratic State Convention, ten AAPI leaders met around a dining table with an idea: to build a political home within the Democratic Party for their community.
On June 3, they discussed forming a countywide AAPI Democratic organization in Harris County. They agreed that such an organization was both necessary and timely.
Their purpose was threefold: to increase AAPI presence within the Democratic Party, strengthen Democratic engagement within the AAPI community, and serve as a voice for AAPI Democrats in Texas.
Originally formed as the Harris County Asian American Democrats, the organization soon renamed itself the Asian American Democrats of Texas (AADT), signaling a vision beyond one county.
In its early years, AADT supported Democratic candidates Ann Richards for governor and Dan Morales for attorney general, hosting its first fundraiser in Houston. Both were elected, and the organization established an early presence within Texas Democratic politics. The Texas Democratic Party later formally recognized AADT as its AAPI caucus and official representative body within the state party structure.
A milestone came at the 2006 Texas Democratic State Convention in Fort Worth, when AAPIs were elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) for the first time. In the years that followed, party rules were amended to reserve two permanent add-on seats on the SDEC specifically for the AAPI caucus, formalizing its representation in party leadership.
AADT’s reach extended nationally in 2016. At the Texas Democratic State Convention in San Antonio, an AAPI from Texas became the first to serve on the Democratic National Committee as a representative of the caucus.
From a small meeting in Houston to a recognized statewide caucus with representation at every level of the party, AADT’s history reflects the continued growth of AAPI engagement within Texas Democratic politics.
Our Mission
To build lasting political power for AAPI Texans and transform our community into a cohesive, influential, and united force in Texas politics
Our Work Today
AADT continues to lead statewide efforts to mobilize AAPI voters, advocate for policies that uplift our communities, and support Democratic candidates—especially those of AAPI descent—who champion equity, inclusion, and justice.
We are committed to ensuring that AAPI Texans have a strong, lasting voice in Texas politics by:
- Educating candidates and elected officials on the priorities and needs of AAPI Texans
- Promoting the Democratic Party’s values of economic justice and social progress
- Encouraging AAPI participation at every level of the party and in campaigns
- Recruiting, supporting, and electing AAPI Democrats to public office
- Expanding and protecting AAPI representation within the party’s leadership
Join us as we build on our legacy and create a stronger future for AAPI Texans!