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CAPAC Chair Judy Chu Statement on Passing of Mayor Ed Lee

December 12, 2017

Washington, DC – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement in reaction to the sudden and unexpected death of San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, who passed away early Tuesday morning:

“A terrible hole has been created in the hearts of San Franciscans and any who had the pleasure of knowing Ed Lee as family or friend, as I did. While the sudden loss of Ed is painful, through his many achievements, he will be remembered. History will remember him as the first Asian American mayor of San Francisco. His constituents will remember him as a principled leader who, while overseeing a period of historic growth and prosperity, chose to champion the homeless and vulnerable while also making his city a global symbol of success. And I will remember him as a dear and wise friend.

“Growing up as the son of immigrants and one of six children in Seattle public housing, Ed faced both economic hardship and racial prejudice. As a lawyer, these experiences would continue to inspire his work, whether helping residents of a public housing project to organize or standing up for women and people of color in the workforce. His drive to succeed made him the first in his family to graduate college. Later, as mayor, his geniality made him a consensus builder, which enabled him to lift up communities so none would feel excluded.

“Ed will be deeply missed, and my condolences go out to his wife Anita, his two daughters Brianna and Tania, his whole family, and all who loved him.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.