#United States #St. Petersburg #Gene Wu #80-20 PAC #Sinophobia

80-20 PAC's Stand Against Sinophobia in Politics

In a strong rebuttal against rising xenophobia, the 80-20 PAC, recognized as the largest Asian American political organization in the United States, has come forward to condemn the latest Sinophobic attacks directed at Texas State Representative Gene Wu. The unfortunate smear campaign was initiated by Texas Republicans, marking a concerning trend in political discourse that aims to stoke racial and ethnic divisions.

On August 6, 2025, the Texas Tribune reported statements made by Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton, who baselessly accused Rep. Gene Wu of having connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and even suggested he should "go back to China." Such accusations, lacking any substantive evidence, strike as an alarming tactic to invoke racial prejudices in a clear partisan attack. Alongside these remarks, Texas GOP Chair Abraham George referred to Wu derogatorily as "CCP Wu."

These comments appear to be a strategic move to undermine Wu's authority, particularly as he leads a Democratic boycott aimed at thwarting proposed redistricting legislation. Senator Middleton’s potential ulterior motive may involve leveraging Sinophobia to galvanize support for his own campaign in the race for State Attorney General.

In response, 80-20 PAC has made clear that they do not take positions on specific partisan issues like the contentious redistricting debate; however, they firmly oppose the politicization of Asian American heritage as a weapon against opponents. S.B. Woo, President of the organization, articulated a vital point saying, “It is unacceptable for any politician to smear a political opponent’s patriotism merely because he or she is Chinese or Asian.” This statement underlines the dangers of fostering an environment where electoral competition is tainted with racial bias and rhetoric.

80-20 PAC has a history of holding politicians accountable for exploiting Sinophobia, with a notable instance being the defeat of Michelle Steel in California’s 45th district, a consequence of her Sinophobic remarks directed at her Democratic challenger. The PAC emphasizes the need to maintain vigilance against such distasteful tactics and has committed to closely monitoring the situation surrounding Senator Middleton and the Texas Republican Party.

According to recent statistics, Senator Middleton serves Senate District 11, which includes a demographic where 7% of its voters identify as Asian American. This percentage is critical, particularly when contextualized with the growing representation and influence of minority groups in Texas's electorate. Approximately 6% of Texas's overall population consists of non-Hispanic Asian Americans, which similarly translates to an estimated 4-5% of the state’s voters.

In light of these events, the 80-20 PAC continues to mobilize bloc votes and efficiently communicate with Asian American constituents through various channels, including email campaigns and ethnic media outreach. The organization recognizes the necessity of standing against the tide of discrimination and bigotry in the political arena, advocating for unity and respect among all constituents, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds.

This incident serves not only as a reminder of the challenges faced by Asian Americans in politics but also as a call to action for all political figures to engage in healthy, non-discriminatory discourse that focuses on policies rather than heritage. The 80-20 PAC stands firm in its resolution to fight against hate and uphold integrity in the political process, ensuring that no one is marginalized or attacked for their race or background.

As the political landscape continues to shift, it is crucial for leaders and constituents alike to actively combat prejudiced narratives that seek to divide rather than unite. The actions of 80-20 PAC exemplify a proactive approach to fostering understanding and inclusion in political dialogues. As they closely observe this evolving situation, it remains essential for communities to rally against any rhetoric that undermines the fabric of democratic engagement.

Contact detail: S.B. Woo, President, 80-20 Initiative
Phone: 302-740-0050
Email: [email protected]
Address: St. Petersburg, FL, 33701