【Epoch Times News on February 25, 2026】
Eric Ching, who served on the Walnut City Council for 12 years, is currently running for the United States House of Representatives in California’s 31st District. Recently, Hispanic and Chinese supporters in Santa Ana, Orange County held a fundraising event for him, with a lively atmosphere and many speakers taking the stage.
This year, due to redistricting in California, Eric Ching transitioned from running in the 38th District to the 31st District for the congressional race. In the new district, Democratic voters make up 44%, Republican voters 25%, and other party affiliations and independent voters account for 29%.
Eric Ching previously served as Mayor and Acting Mayor of Walnut City. He mentioned, “In my district, areas with a significant Chinese voter population such as Diamond Bar and Rowland Heights have been redrawn elsewhere.”
Last November, California passed Proposition 50 to offset the Republican gains in Congress due to Texas redistricting. Out of 52 districts, 41 were redrawn, with Republicans holding a majority in only 4 districts. However, Eric Ching stated that in previous elections, he also received support from many non-Republican voters.
He expressed, “Despite our differences in political, religious, or social views, we share common goals of providing a safe community, good job opportunities, and a place to raise children and enjoy retirement.”
In California, Eric Ching has faced five lawsuits since 2022, with investigations into his financial matters. “They’ve spent two and a half years but have found nothing,” he said. “I’ve even been put on a terrorist list, and every time I go through airport security, I’m pulled aside for additional checks, claiming it’s at the request of a certain institution.”
Eric Ching emphasized, “If elected to Congress, regardless of the pressure, I will do what I believe is right, never giving up; I will fulfill my promises completely.”
Matthew D. Gomez, the Texas Chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA), and his wife Elisa Gomez, along with Carina Powers, the California RNHA Chair, attended the fundraiser and gave speeches.
Elisa Gomez remarked, “Eric prioritizes God, country, and community, which is exactly the kind of person we need. We are recruiting more volunteers to support his campaign.”
Jack Guerrero, the GOP Finance Director in California and former Mayor of Cudahy from a Mexican immigrant family, stated, “Even in deep blue California, Republicans can achieve victory. I served as Mayor in a city where over 80% of voters were Democrats and was re-elected each time with the highest vote count in the city’s history.”
Guerrero believed that Eric Ching is in a challenging district, but Californians are eager for change. “We need officials who are both capable and ethical, and Eric is that person, upright, honest, and dedicated to the truth.”
David Hernandez, the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party in the Los Angeles area and also of Hispanic descent, praised his father’s journey from farmworker to an insurance company clerk eventually becoming a vice president and founding an insurance company serving Spanish-speaking communities in Los Angeles.
“I am proud of everything my father has accomplished, and even prouder of the opportunities this country has given him,” Hernandez said. “We have a responsibility to continue providing such opportunities to every immigrant and every American.”
Chinese lawyers Daniel Deng and David Liu, former Mayor Betty Tom Chu of Monterey Park, and Theresa Lin Cheng, the founding president of the American Chinese Food Development Foundation and a broadcaster, took the stage and spoke in support of Eric Ching.
“Deng mentioned a case where Eric Ching helped a Chinese man who was hit by an illegal immigrant while walking, organizing fundraising, funerals, and court appearances for his wife and three children. He commended Eric for advocating for victims’ rights, truly caring for the community, and serving the people; contrasting him with some elected officials who only talk and take no action.
David Liu, running for State Assembly in the 49th District, expressed that the support and donations now are for the future of children and the country. He highlighted that Eric Ching has faced five lawsuits in California, suggesting targeted attacks, and being prosecuted in multiple states, receiving “presidential treatment,” indicating his significant influence.
Betty Tom Chu stated, “I have supported Eric since his first campaign for Walnut City Council. He not only built a substantial reserve for public safety but also made the city one of the safest and most livable in California. We need to support candidates who promote economic prosperity, healthy communities, and safe and thriving families, rather than those proposing radical agendas.”
Regarding education, Brandon Shultz, Principal of Southland Christian School, emphasized the importance of individuals like Eric Ching, combining a “honest heart and skilled hands,” to address the issues facing California children, including anxiety, depression, and confusion. He stressed the need for educational freedom, returning rights to parents.
Two young people involved in Eric Ching’s nonprofit activities also spoke. Julia Wang, a 16-year-old student at Walnut High School, shared learnings from community service, understanding the meaning of “people-oriented” and serving society like Eric Ching does.
Anny Jiao, a high school student from the Shuo region, highlighted Eric Ching’s continuous efforts in engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and taking action. Working with him taught her about responsibility, care, unity, and perseverance in difficult times.
Theresa Lin Cheng, who traveled from Northern California, brought the fundraising event to a climax with her speech. She praised Eric as a person of integrity, morality, and honesty, dedicated to serving residents wholeheartedly.