2019 is a turning point for Turkish American engagement in the U.S. political arena, despite the current tensions in the U.S.-Turkey relationship. Thanks to TCA’s grassroots efforts such as the Annual Turkish American Youth Leadership Congress, Washington Summer Internship Program, Turkish American Women Leadership Initiative, and the enthusiastic efforts of the five independent Turkish American political action committees (PACs)*, under the 10000 Turks Campaign, the Turkish American voice is being heard across the United States, as an increasing number of the members of the community are speaking up and interacting with their congressional, state and local representatives.
TCA Chairman and Founder Yalcin Ayasli stated, “Since its establishment, TCA has been encouraging Turkish Americans to engage with and educate elected and public officials. It is important at this critical juncture in the bilateral relationship to highlight the shared values of the American and Turkish people. I am delighted to see the interest and recent initiatives taken by Turkish Americans.”
Connecting Members of Congress to their Turkish American constituents and highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Turkey relationship were the objectives of the Turkish American PACs when the 10000 Turks Campaign initiated a national fundraising drive to support congressional representatives from 25 states in the first six months of 2019. Reaching out to Members of Congress from half of the country sends a significant message to Capitol Hill. The drive exceeded expectations with over 50 Members of Congress supported in 30 states, covering 60% of the United States. In addition to supporting individual congressional members, the five PACs also made contributions to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), Congressional Black Caucus PAC, and Bold (Hispanic) PAC.
Turkish Americans in California have been the most dynamic by supporting 10 members of the California congressional delegation through the Turkish Coalition California PAC (TC-CAL PAC). 55% of members supported by the PACs serve either on the Armed Services and Foreign/Affairs Relations Committees. It should also be pointed out that thirty-three percent of the members supported are women.
*The five Turkish American PACs are the Turkish Coalition USA PAC (TC-USA PAC); TC-Northeast PAC; TC-Midwest PAC; TC-California PAC; and Turkish PAC/Texas.
**As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, TCA is prohibited by law from engaging in activities that could be construed as political campaigning. TCA cannot donate funds to a political action committee or support any political candidate or group of candidates. Thus, this bulletin is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any candidates/PACs or a solicitation on their behalf.
