Moore Praises AAPI Community, Hails Aruna Miller At Fundraiser

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Maryland Governor Wes Moore has praised the growing role of Asian Americans in his administration, saying at an Indian American gathering that diversity also means appointing the most capable people.

“The AAPI community runs deep in this administration,” Moore said. “And it’s not just because we believe in diversity, it’s because we believe in working with the best.”

Moore spoke at a re-election fundraiser hosted at the Maryland residence of Indian American physician Dr Arul Vigg. Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, elected officials, entrepreneurs, doctors and community leaders attended the event.

Moore highlighted Asian American officials serving in senior positions in his administration, including Susan Lee, Sanjay Rai, Portia Wu and Meena Seshamani.

He reserved particular praise for Miller, Maryland’s Indian-born lieutenant governor, describing her as a friend, partner and guide.

“When we talk about what is the moral compass of the Moore Miller administration, you do not have to look any further than our Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller,” he said.

Miller said the gathering reflected the immigrant community’s belief in opportunity and civic responsibility.

“As an immigrant, when I look across this room and see our AAPI community, we all believe in the American dream,” she said.

Miller also highlighted Indian American entrepreneur Anil Sharma, saying he arrived in the United States “with $100 in his pocket” and later built a billion-dollar company, 22nd Century Technologies.

“You bring success, you earn success, but you give back to your community,” she said.

Moore contrasted Maryland’s policies with those of President Donald Trump, criticizing federal job cuts, immigration operations and the use of the National Guard in neighborhoods.

“In Maryland, we decided to move different, that in Maryland we decided to move together to work in partnership with local law enforcement and also community groups,” Moore said.

He said Maryland’s violent crime rate had fallen nearly 60 per cent during his tenure. Miller also credited Moore with reopening the shipping channel 11 weeks after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The governor urged supporters to campaign for another Moore-Miller term.

“While there has been progress, we know the job is not done and we are ready to finish the job,” Moore said.

Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor in January 2023. Miller, a former state legislator and transportation engineer, became Maryland’s first immigrant and first woman of color to serve as lieutenant governor. (IANS)