Washington, DC – Iranian Americans raised over $17,000 for Congressman Keith Ellison’s reelection campaign last Thursday in what was the first political fundraiser event organized by NIAC Action members for a Member of Congress. Over seventy NIAC Action members donated to Ellison’s campaign as part of the event, which was held in McLean, Virginia. 

 

Congressman Ellison highlighted why it is so critical for the Iranian-American community to be engaged in the political process in the 2016 elections, including the need to defend the Iran nuclear deal against those working to unravel it. Ellison has been a staunch supporter of U.S.-Iran diplomacy and has worked to increase people to people connections between Americans and Iranians. He is also one of the most vocal opponents of H.R.158 visa discrimination against Iranian dual nationals.

 

NIAC Action was formed in July 2015 as a sister organization of the National Iranian American Council to enable Iranian Americans to organize efforts around elections. As a civic action organization, NIAC Action is able to actively play a role in the electoral process – including by endorsing candidates and encouraging its members donate to and volunteer for supported candidates.