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Arab Americans Launch First Virginia State PAC

Posted on Friday December 20, 2002

WASHINGTON – Community leaders in Virginia launched the State’s first ever Arab American Political Action Committee, the New Dominion PAC (NDP), in Arlington Tuesday. The NDP will work to make the Arab American voice heard in Virginia while strengthening political participation. Educating elected officials on issues of concern, NDP will emphasize the need to protect civil liberties and uphold constitutional rights.

Virginia State Delegate and House Democratic Party Caucus Chair Brian Moran attended the event hosted by community activist Andy Shallal. Moran congratulated the group for forming the NDP and spoke to those gathered about the important role that the Arab American community and other immigrant communities can play in Virginia politics.

“We feel that this is a major milestone for the Arab American community in Virginia. Although we have been involved in party politics for many years, this bi-partisian support tool will widen the door for Arab American political participation in Virginia,” said Saba Shami, former head of the Warner gubernatorial campaign’s Ethnic Outreach Committee.

Co-founders Hady Amr, Virginia Public Schools Authority board member and Marwan Burgan, a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, were also on hand to launch the event.

“Arab Americans make up about 1% of the population of Virginia and about 3% of Northern Virginia’s congressional districts; this now makes the community a pivotal electoral force,” Amr said.

NDP organizers have set a fundraising goal of $20,000 for the first year.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.