With the November 5th general election just nine weeks away, Korean American candidates in various California races, including for the U.S. House of Representatives, are ramping up their final campaign efforts. These candidates are focusing on outreach and fundraising, seeking support as they approach the finish line.

According to a tally by this newspaper, 16 Korean American candidates are running in the November election in California.

Four Korean American candidates have advanced to the general election for the U.S. House of Representatives: Republicans Michelle Park Steel and Young Kim, and Democrats Dave Min and David Kim. Young Kim, who is seeking a third term in the 40th District, and Michelle Park Steel, who is also running for a third term in the 45th District, are both confident in their chances, backed by substantial campaign funds.

Dave Min, formerly the only Korean American State Senator in California, is now poised for victory in the 47th District U.S. House race. David Kim, who came in second in the primary for the 24th District U.S. House race, will face incumbent Jimmy Gomez in their third matchup.

In the state legislature races, former Assemblymember Steven Choi and John Lee, the head of LA Works, have both won their primaries and are now vying for State Senate and State Assembly seats, respectively. Attorney Grace Yoo, who advanced from the primary for the 10th District LA City Council seat, which includes Koreatown, is making her third run. Yoo's recent strong polling results have heightened expectations for the first Korean American city council member representing Koreatown.

Korean American candidates running for mayoral and city council positions across various cities are also intensifying their campaigns. Notable candidates include Irvine City Councilmember Tammy Kim, who is running for mayor, and Fred Jung, who is seeking re-election as the Fullerton City Councilmember for District 1.

In Northern California, Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park is aiming for re-election in District 4. Park, a second-generation Korean American, holds a master's degree from Stanford and has a background in software engineering. Additionally, there are Korean American candidates making their first bids for city council. For example, Yong-Duk Choi, a commissioner on the Buena Park Urban Development Committee, is running in the District 2 special election and will host a fundraiser at the Orange County Korean Community Center on the 31st.

In Irvine, John Park has announced his candidacy for the District 1 City Council seat. Irvine is holding district elections for the first time this year, and District 1, which includes Northpark, Orchard Hills, Northwood Pointe, and West Irvine, is considered favorable for Korean and other Asian candidates.

In the prominent retirement community of Laguna Woods, Eun-Joo Lee is running for city council. Lee is well-known as a director of the non-profit organization "United Laguna Woods Mutual," which operates a senior living community. Finally, James Cho is a candidate for the Fullerton District 2 School Board. Megan Yoo Schneider, running unopposed for her third term in the 7th District of the OC Water District, has already secured her re-election.



<Hyungseok Han>