CAPAC Chair Applauds Historic Hiring of AAPI Senior Staff by House Democratic Leadership Offices

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, CAPAC celebrates two historic AAPI hires for senior positions within House Democratic leadership offices. Starting today, Sonali Desai will serve as the Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus, led by Chair Pete Aguilar. She most recently served as Chief of Staff to CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28). Additionally, Moh Sharma has been named as Director of Member Services for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. She previously served as Director of Member Services and Outreach & Policy Advisor for the House Judiciary Committee. Ms. Desai and Ms. Sharma are both the first South Asian Americans and first AAPIs to hold each of their positions. 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

“I am excited to congratulate Sonali and Moh on their new roles with the House Democratic Caucus and the Minority Leader’s office, respectively. I’m thrilled to see House leadership offices hiring diverse staff, including AAPI staffers, in senior roles. For nearly nine years, my office has immensely benefited from Sonali Desai’s tireless leadership, expansive legislative expertise, and continuous grace – skills that make her the perfect fit to help lead the Democratic Caucus as its Executive Director. Sonali has deep experience working closely with CAPAC, and I’m absolutely confident that she will ensure Members of the House Democratic Caucus successfully work together in achieving their goals under Chair Aguilar.

“I am also delighted that Minority Leader Jeffries has chosen Moh Sharma as his new Director of Member Services. Moh first began her Hill career as the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) fellow and then as a legislative aide in my office and with CAPAC. She brings years of deep experience of coalition-building and legislative knowledge to the Office of the Minority Leader.

“We in CAPAC look forward to working with Sonali and Moh in their new capacities, and I applaud House Democratic leadership for elevating AAPI staffers to senior positions on their teams. CAPAC also applauds the diversity of our leadership offices, and I congratulate all the AAPI staff who will serve in their respective offices. The American people are best served when Members of Congress—as well as their staff—reflect the great diversity of our country.”

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