With the elections on Tuesday, Asian Americans have come out in the forefront of a number of political races, making history along the way. East West would like to offer congratulations to the following individuals who came out on top in the polls and are preparing to take public office.
John Liu: The Democrat councilman from Queens made history by becoming the first Asian American comptroller in New York City, trouncing his opponent Joseph Mendola by earning 76 percent of the votes. During his campaign for city comptroller, Liu paid great attention to the ethnic press, visiting Chinese, Polish, Bangladeshi, and Irish newspapers to discuss his ideas for development in ethnic communities. Liu, who emigrated from Taiwan to the U.S. at the age of five, is dedicated to improving the lives of immigrants in the city. “To me, the conclusion of this election is that immigrants are clearly a voice and a growing influence. And people better wake up, because we are going to change this city,” he said to the blog Feet in 2 Worlds.
Margaret Chin: New York City’s Chinatown elected Chin as its first Chinese American to the City Council. Democrat Chin defeated Republican Irene Horvath with 86 percent of the vote. Chin, who from Hong Kong to the U.S., has campaigned on issues ranging from affordable housing to better care for senior citizens, an important issue in the rapidly gentrifying Chinatown.
Peter Koo: The Republican businessman from Flushing defeated Democrat Yen Chou for one of Queens’ City Council seats in New York City. Following his victory, Koo plans on focusing on job creation and easing the district’s traffic congestion. Koo has earned the seat previously occupied by John Liu.
Mark Keam: The Democratic lawyer and businessman emerged victorious in the race to represent Virginia’s 35th District in the State House of Delegates. Keam, the son of Korean immigrants, won over Republican Jim Hyland in a district composed of only 10 percent Asian Americans.
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