'A historic moment:' During AAPI Heritage Month, Wisconsin assembly members launch state's first Legislative Asian Caucus

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month continues, Wisconsin leaders are making history in Madison.

On May 1, three state legislators gathered to announce the inaugural Legislative Asian Caucus.

Rep. Angelito Tenorio, Rep. Renuka Mayadev, and Rep. Francesca Hong are all first-generation Americans who have each already made history by becoming elected as the first Filipino American, first South Asian, and first Asian American to the Wisconsin Assembly, respectively.

“Now that we have a seat at the table, we need to make the table bigger for all people, from every background, every identity," said Rep. Tenorio. “We decided together, as the only Asian Americans in Wisconsin state government, that we wanted to form the legislative Asian caucus.”

Currently, Asian Americans make up 6% of Wisconsin's population. 

“We’re not outsiders, we’re part of Wisconsin, and I truly believe- the Legislative Asian Caucus, we believe the diversity is part of our strength, and that’s something we need to uplift," Rep. Tenorio said. 

Officials said the launch is a significant step in making sure AAPI voices are represented and heard during policymaking sessions.

“I actually have the district with the highest concentration of Asian Americans, so it’s about 17%," said Rep. Mayadev. "This is a historic moment."

The caucus announcement also comes at a time of heightened anti-Asian and anti-DEI hate and rhetoric across the country.

"At a time when DEI efforts are under attack and anti-Asian rhetoric continues to rise it is critical that we claim space unapologetically. AANHPI Heritage Month isn’t just about celebrating culture, it’s about acknowledging the struggles of our elders, the strength of our youth, and the ongoing work required to ensure our communities are safe, heard, and thriving. We wanted our caucus to embody these themes from the very beginning," said Rep. Hong, in a written statement to CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. 

Rep. Hong added that they are planning to dedicate themselves to community engagement.

"The truth is, Asian American issues—whether they are in quality of life, access to opportunity, or community wellbeing—are Wisconsin issues," Rep. Hong said. "When we uplift ourselves, we uplift everyone."