New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, recently sworn in as the first Korean American senator, uncovered a remarkable surprise in his new Senate floor desk. Inside a drawer, he found the etched name of Daniel K. Inouye, a legendary figure in U.S. history and a personal hero.
“I learned Senate floor desks have drawers where every Senator who used that desk carves their name,” Kim shared on X, formerly Twitter. “I just pulled out my drawer. One name jumped out. INOUYE. WWII Medal of Honor. Senator for ~50 years. AAPI trailblazer. I cannot believe I get to sit at the desk of a hero of mine.”
I learned Senate floor desks have drawers where every Senator who used that desk carves their name. I just pulled out my drawer. 1 name jumped out. INOUYE. WWII Medal of Honor. Senator for ~ 50 yrs. AAPI trailblazer. I cannot believe I get to sit at the desk of a hero of mine. pic.twitter.com/M4eKAZW4zK
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) December 18, 2024
Daniel K. Inouye, the first Japanese American elected to Congress, served as Hawaii’s representative after statehood and was later a senator for nearly five decades. A decorated World War II veteran, Inouye earned the Medal of Honor for his service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, making him the only U.S. senator to receive both honors.
Kim, a three-term congressman before his election, is also the first Asian American senator from the East Coast. He won the seat vacated by Robert Menendez after the former senator’s conviction on corruption charges. Following a brief tenure by interim Senator George Helmy, Kim officially took office in early December.
Read more: Andy Kim Makes History as First Korean American Senator From New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy, who expedited Kim’s start, said, “Taking this step will allow Senator Kim to embark on the smoothest possible transition into his new role so he can hit the ground running serving the people of New Jersey.”
Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic in New Jersey, with voter participation surging by 99% between 2000 and 2022. For Kim, the discovery of Inouye’s name is more than a coincidence—it’s a profound reminder of the path blazed by those who came before him.
Inouye’s legacy endures, with Hawaii’s largest airport renamed in his honor. For Kim, sitting at Inouye’s desk is not just an honor but a responsibility to continue the fight for representation and service. “I cannot believe I get to sit at the desk of a hero of mine,” he said, reflecting on the history etched into the wood before him.
