On a historic election day, Democrat Andy Kim emerged victorious, becoming the first Korean-American U.S. Senator. The Associated Press declared Kim the winner after he defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw, filling the New Jersey Senate seat left vacant by Bob Menendez following his resignation in August due to a federal conviction on bribery charges.
At his victory celebration, Kim expressed gratitude to his supporters, sharing his difficulty in processing the moment. He joins a small group of Asian-American senators, becoming one of three currently serving. Kim, a 42-year-old third-term congressman from Central New Jersey, first entered Congress in 2018. He cited his motivation to run for the Senate as a response to the need for change in the country amidst government turmoil.
Known for his humility and work ethic, Kim became a notable public figure when he was photographed helping clean up the U.S. Capitol after it was stormed by a pro-Trump mob in January 2021. Born and raised in New Jersey, Kim is a product of the state’s public school system. Before entering politics, he worked at the Pentagon and served as a civilian advisor in Afghanistan.
As the son of Korean immigrants, Kim’s journey reflects the American dream. His win marks a significant milestone not only for New Jersey but also for the entire East Coast, as he becomes the region’s first Korean-American senator. New Jersey, a state with a rapidly growing Asian-American population, has seen this demographic nearly double between 2000 and 2022. Kim’s victory is seen as an opportunity to give a stronger voice to Asian-American voters, whose concerns have often been overlooked in American politics.
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