Andy Kim, a three-term congressman from central New Jersey, has made history by becoming the first Korean American to be elected to the U.S. Senate. In a closely watched race, Kim defeated Republican Curtis Bashaw, securing the seat vacated by Bob Menendez, who resigned in August following a bribery conviction.
Reflecting on his victory, Kim shared a poignant moment with his family. “I’m here with my mom and my dad. I’m here with my wife, with my two sons — three generations in the same room,” Kim, 42, said. “It’s a lot to process, but I’m really proud.” His election marks a turning point for a state that hasn’t sent a Republican senator to Washington since 1972.
Kim’s campaign was driven by a promise to bring integrity and fresh leadership to New Jersey, especially in the wake of Menendez’s scandal. “We live in a time of such great distrust in government, and I really do think that that poses a deep, deep concern and threat to our society,” Kim explained. “That’s a big reason why I stepped up to run for Senate, jumped in the day after the indictment of the senator, because I felt like we needed to change course.”
New Jersey’s Asian American population has nearly doubled from 2000 to 2022, and Kim’s victory symbolizes a growing political influence. In heavily populated areas like Bergen and Middlesex counties, Asian Americans have become a critical voting bloc. Yet, Kim’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. “Last year, when I first started running for Senate, I had somebody literally tell me to my face that I’m the ‘wrong kind of minority to win statewide,’” Kim revealed. “That was really hurtful.”
Despite these obstacles, Kim is determined to change perceptions. “I have every bit as much right to represent the state as anybody else,” he stated. “I am as American as anybody else.” His campaign also took on systemic issues, such as New Jersey’s controversial “county line” ballot design. A U.S. district judge ruled in his favor, ending the system that critics say unfairly benefited candidates endorsed by party leaders.
Kim’s path to the Senate is marked by a distinguished career in public service. The son of Korean immigrants, he grew up in South Jersey and went on to work as a national security aide during the Obama administration, even advising generals in Afghanistan. He gained national recognition for his humility and sense of duty when he was photographed picking up trash at the U.S. Capitol after the January 6 insurrection.
“I hope I can be someone that can be a bridge between the U.S. and South Korea,” Kim said, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and addressing North Korea’s nuclear threat. His foreign policy background will be pivotal, as senators play a key role in confirming ambassadors and shaping international relations.
As he prepares to be sworn in, Kim called on more Asian Americans to enter public service. “Don’t self-select yourself out,” he urged. “If you want to run for office, if you want to serve, give it a try. I hope that people hear that.”
