On June 24, 2024, Kesenna Democratic Club (KDC) endorsed incumbent Congressman Grac Meng for re-election and held a campaign rally for her. Meng introduced her growth, candidacy, and political experiences to young volunteers, emphasizing the importance of daring to dream, advocating for Asian Americans and the community step by step. She encouraged students to not underestimate small acts of kindness, as helping others is the starting point for success.
Since 2013, Meng has served as the congresswoman for the sixth district and currently holds positions as the vice chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. She faced no challengers in the Democratic primary, with Tom Zmich from the Republican Party and Joseph Chou from the third party challenging her in the general election.
Meng stated, “Some people ask: why seek support when you won the last election easily? I always remind myself: you have to work diligently as if you are facing fierce competition. Taking things for granted will lead to defeat.”
Founder of Kesenna Democratic Club, Peter Du, described Meng as the “daughter of Chinese people,” a moderate Democrat who advocates for Asian Americans in Congress and allocates significant resources for the community. He praised Meng as the most competent Asian American representative who showcases the strengths of Chinese culture in American society, rallying collective support for her.
Kesenna Democratic Club Chairman, Donghuan Zheng, Vice Chairman, Shijie Zheng, and consultant Hong Dai all expressed their support for Meng.
Meng expressed gratitude for everyone’s support despite the scorching weather. She shared her political journey with young volunteers, highlighting her daring nature in pursuing dreams upon realizing the support of the Asian American community. She emphasized, “Our success is the community’s success.”
Reflecting on her past, Meng recalled being shy and uninvolved in student council in her youth. However, as she matured, she recognized her ability to help others with basic skills. She felt a sense of responsibility to represent the community in college and law school when there was a lack of diverse voices, leading her to take on community expectations.
Before running for public office, Meng and friends established a nonprofit organization to assist the public with tasks like reading letters, translating, and providing consultations. She highlighted that seemingly small tasks can make a significant impact. Her election as a state assembly member three years later coincided with the birth of her second child, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
When Congressman Gary Ackerman suddenly announced retirement in 2012, prompting a rush to determine his successor, Meng saw an opportunity to ensure Asian American representation in Congress as New York had never elected an Asian American representative. The community quickly united to support her within a tight timeframe.
Meng fulfilled expectations by winning the congressional seat in 2012. Reflecting on her 12-year effort to secure resources for her district, Meng attributed her courage to her love for dreaming. She emphasized, “I am a dreamer, and my district is crucial to me.”
Proudly, Meng stated, “Our community is powerful, even when resources may be limited. During the pandemic when businesses struggled, new laws were enacted allowing for loans, including specific assistance for restaurants. Despite financial challenges, our district received the second-highest funding compared to other areas of New York City.”
Meng shared her dream of establishing the “Asian Pacific American History and Culture National Museum” in Washington DC to showcase the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to US history and culture, aiming to underscore their integral role in American society.