Supporters of Democratic candidate Andrew Yang got the chance to visit with him up close in the Richmond area days before the debate.
Yang attended a fundraiser Monday evening at the home of Ling Luo, founder of the Asian American Democratic Club.
ABC13's Miya Shay caught up with the Democratic hopeful before the event. He said he was excited to bring his economic message to Houston ahead of Thursday night's debate.
"The message is we have to put our people in a position to solve our own problems, and the goal is to make this economy work for everyone," Yang told Eyewitness News.
As the first Asian American to run for president as a Democrat, Yang acknowledged Houston's large Asian community.
He said he hopes to capitalize on the energy he sees across the country for his campaign.
"Hopefully, this campaign can inspire Asian Americans to be engaged in our politics," he said.
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Prior to the presidential debate on Thursday, all 10 candidates are expected to swing through different parts of Texas for fundraisers and rallies. Yang's event was one of the earliest.
"Very excited and very proud that he has chosen this opportunity to visit, and come to Houston, it is a very important step," said Luo, who was rushing around her home finishing preparations Monday afternoon. "Helping to raise $55,000 for him, that's a big deal in just two weeks."
For Luo and others in the Asian American community, getting Yang's message out to a wider audience is more important than ever.
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Andrew Yang brings economic message to Houston
Many feel like national media has not given Yang as much attention as candidates with lower poll numbers.
"Compared to many, many leading candidates, he has far, far less time given in the debate the first two times," Luo said. "And the third time, the debate is in Houston, my hometown. I would wish the media at least will give him equal time."
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