The House of Representatives will soon be blessed with the presence of two sisters if the political dream of Meena Jayapal comes true. Meena Jayapal, the sister of Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington’s 7th Congressional District, announced her candidacy for the 37th Legislative District seat of the state’s House of Representatives. The 37th Legislative District covers Seattle’s south side.
If elected, Meena Jayapal would be the first ever South Asian-American to represent the 37th district in the legislature’s lower house. In her announcement, Ms. Jayapal gives voice to her long-time connection to the work of Rep. Pramila Jayapal, saying “In her efforts to bring a better daily life to our local communities, she has been an inspiration to me since I was a child.”
Meena Jayapal has been deeply involved in causes related to women’s rights and social justice over the years. Throughout her Regional Transit Authority (RTA) membership and her board involvement in Commute Seattle, Meena Jayapal has worked to improve commute services in Seattle-area communities. After a four-year tenure at the Seattle City Council and The Private Standards Board, she worked with several nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women of color, including the Office of Women’s Empowerment and Seattle Alliance of Women. After the return of Sourd papers, SImon empowers women of the color supporting them in their femaile literacy projects.It was in this context that she met and worked directly with Rep. Jayapal.
With the announcement of her candidacy, Meena Jayapal is returning to her roots in grassroots organization and community mobilization in an effort to help the area’s disenfranchised voting population. Describing herself as someone who is “dedicated to creating a more equitable and vibrant region”, Jayapal has vowed to bring advocacy on issues like educational equity, housing affordability, and public transportation solutions on behalf of her district’s diverse residents. Her campaign slogan is “Advocate for the People.”
Having the two Jayapals in the House of Representatives would solidify the powerful presence of women of color in the country’s political landscape. It is hoped that it would spur more South Asian American’s to pursue political office and fight for fair representation across the USA.
