In the recent midterm elections, over twenty Chinese candidates ran for various positions including state, city, school district, and water district officials in Southern California. Many of these individuals were seeking re-election, while some were new challengers stepping into the political arena. This surge in participation reflects a growing awareness and engagement from the Chinese community in local elections across the United States. Following a tense ballot counting process on the evening of November 3, the results of the elections have largely been determined.
Among the notable victories, current California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, hailing from San Francisco, has secured her position as the new lieutenant governor, making history as the first Asian American woman to hold this prestigious office.
The Chinese candidates for the California Congressional seats included two Republicans: current Congressman Vince Fong from the 32nd district and challenger Eric Ching from the 31st district, along with two Democratic incumbents: Ted Lieu from the 36th district and Judy Chu from the 28th district. As of Wednesday afternoon, Fong, Lieu, and Chu have all emerged victorious in their races. However, Eric Ching lagged behind in votes, with incumbent Gil Cisneros winning that seat.
On election day, shortly after the counting began, Vince Fong made a post on social media platform X, outlining his priorities for the next two years, indicating his strong confidence in achieving victory.
In the state assembly elections, Phillip Chen, the Republican incumbent for the 59th district, successfully defeated Democrat Dave Obrand. Democrat Mike Fong in the 49th district also claimed victory, while Chinese-American attorney Liu Longzhu faced defeat.
In Walnut City, current Mayor Allen Wu has emerged victorious once again.
Both current mayor Tony Chou and vice mayor Calvin Lo of San Marino City have successfully retained their positions.
In San Gabriel, city council candidates John Wu and Wendy Wang won their races, with John Wu, a former mayor, receiving the highest number of votes.
Thomas Wong, who ran unopposed, easily won the council seat for District 1 in Monterey Park.
Chia-Yu Teng, running for the Diamond Bar City Council in District 4, found herself trailing her opponent Lee Mao by just 15 votes, while Andrew Chou from District 3 defeated no challengers.
Financial expert John Han, who took over the vacant position for District 3 in Arcadia after the previous Chinese council member Wendy Wang resigned, won in the recent elections.
In the Alhambra City Council elections, candidate Amy J. Wong is leading against her opponent in District 1.
Theresa Lee, the current director for the Walnut Valley Water District’s District 3, is significantly ahead of challenger Kenny Shu, with Dennis Yang leading in the race for the District 5 commissioner position against current director Michael Lin; both victories appear secure.
In the school district board elections, Cindy Wu, the incumbent from the Mountain View School District, received the highest number of votes. Meanwhile, Gina Chi, the current vice-chair of the San Gabriel Unified School District Board, and Cary Chen, a long-serving board member from the Rowland Unified School District, were also leading their races, and their victories seem assured.
In an interview, Eric Ching expressed his gratitude to his team and supporters, remarking on the many challenges and setbacks he faced over seven years of campaigning, although he remained resolute in his commitment to stay in the race.
“Over the next four years, we will see higher taxes, especially in California,” Ching cautioned, referencing the statements made by the victorious gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, who has proposed new taxes based on mileage per vehicle. Ching emphasized that such tax increases will exacerbate the existing issues facing California.
Despite his electoral defeat, Ching focused on love and gratitude. “This is merely a small test,” he stated. “We must continue to work hard.”
Liu Longzhu, who made his second attempt for a state assembly seat, held a gratitude dinner on Tuesday evening. He described how, in the past month, he experienced sleepless nights and a feeling of being “on the verge of collapse.” He noted that no Republican had won in the 49th district for the past 53 years, and his candidacy allowed him to share his political views on a larger platform, which he deemed significant. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, I am a winner.”
Liu Longzhu plans to campaign again: “I will fight again next time.”