Washington, DC — Asian American Action Fund (AAA-Fund) endorsee Judy Chu took the most votes in Tuesday's California special election for the 32nd Congressional District and is favored to win the July 14 runoff.

"Chu's victory is a testament to her broad-based appeal and her impressive record of service to the district she hopes to represent in Congress," said Gautam Dutta, Executive Director of AAA-Fund. "We are excited for her to take her talents and dedication to the federal level."

Chu, currently the State Board of Equalization's vice chairwoman, received 32 percent of the vote and beat out her closest opponent, fellow Democrat Gil Cedillo, by nine points.

Because no candidate won a majority in the election, which also featured Republican and Libertarian candidates, the leading vote getters for each party will compete in a runoff in July. Chu's chances are high because the district is heavily Democratic.

Hilda L. Solis vacated the seat in February to become Secretary of Labor in the Obama administration.

Chu's candidacy was bolstered by support reflecting the diversity of the district, including endorsements from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez. The district, which covers East Los Angeles and includes Monterey Park and Covina, is 64 percent Hispanic, 20 percent Asian, 12 percent white and 2 percent black.

She was also endorsed by Emily's List, the State Democratic Party, and many labor unions, including the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Chu has deep ties to the district, having served as a school board and city council member as well as Mayor of Monterey Park and State Assembly Member.

With a victory in July, Chu would become Southern California's only Asian American in Congress.

AAA-Fund is a Democratic political action committee whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) on every level of local, state and federal government in America. To achieve this goal, we address the chronic under-representation of AAPIs as campaign volunteers, campaign contributors, and candidates for political office. The AAA-Fund has endorsed candidates across the country.