With 100 per cent of precincts reporting at press time, Kris Valderrama won in the September 12 primary election for the seat once held by her father, former  Delegate Dave Valderrama of the Maryland House of Delegates. She garnered 6,176 votes, or 13.9 percent of the vote.

Because Democrats in Prince George’s County outnumber Republicans by almost seven to one, her victory is virtually assured in the general election on November 7. With her win, Kris joins other Asian Pacific Americans, House Majority Leader Kumar Barve and Delegate Susan Lee.

Only six votes separated her from Ollie P.J. Anderson, who garnered 6,085 votes. Veronica Turner topped the four winning candidates with 8,487, or 19 percent of the vote. Jay Walker was second with 6182 (or 13.9 per cent).

In a statement issued to Asian Fortune on September 25, Kris thanked everyone who played a part in her campaign, providing encouragement, moral support and financial assistance. "Your generosity has made it possible for me to run for public office and fulfill my aspirations to serve. I am both humbled and honored by this rare and remarkable opportunity. There's a lot more work ahead, but I know that together, we can turn whatever challenges we encounter into opportunities!"

She also paid tribute to "my dad, who was and still is a big influence and mentor–he began this journey and left a lasting impression on the constituents of the 26th district." Kris ran on the ABCs theme: Advocating the Best for Children, and on working family issues. She’s married to Abraham Lobo of Seattle, Washington. They have two daughters, Jordan, 4 and Evan, 2.