While Tuesday’s election revealed no clear national trend, it did send two more Asian Americans into public office. On the one hand, New Jersey and Virginia rejected Democratic candidates for Governor. On the other, California and New York voters added to President Obama’s Democratic majority in Congress.
Nevertheless, voters did send one clear message: Talk to us! In this time of economic uncertainty and turmoil, we expect our leaders to lead. Our elected officials must not only propose solutions to our nation’s problems, but explain why these solutions make sense.
Across the country, several Asian American leaders rose up to the challenge. In Virginia, AAA-Fund endorsee Mark Keam became the first Asian American to be elected to the statehouse. In New Jersey, AAA-Fund endorsee Susan Shin-Angulo became the first Korean American woman to be elected in New Jersey and the Northeast corridor.
Asian Americans made strides in other elections. In New York, John Liu was elected Controller — and became Gotham City’s first Asian American citywide official. Alex Wan finished first and made the runoff for the Atlanta City Council. In the Boston suburb of Cambridge, Leland Cheung became the first Asian American to be elected to Cambridge MA’s City Council.
In other races, AAA-Fund endorsee Creigh Deeds fell short in the Virginia governor’s race, as did Jeanette Rishell in her bid for the Virginia statehouse. Boston mayoral candidate Michael F. Flaherty, who had pledged to appoint AAA-Fund endorsee Sam Yoon as his Deputy Mayor, also lost.
We congratulate the winners, and commend all the Asian American leaders who ran for office.
– Gautam Dutta
