Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election to choose the next leader of the United States, the Korea Daily is announcing endorsements and weighing in on the candidates and propositions.
This year’s presidential election is an unprecedentedly competitive race. With races for Congress, the state, and local office, including county and city levels, voters’ decisions are more crucial than ever.
With the economy in a near recession and two major wars going on diplomatically, the stakes have never been higher. With many Korean-American candidates running to represent the community and increase Korean-American political power, voters’ expectations are rising.
Since 2020, the Korea Daily has been endorsing candidates from all walks of life through the Candidate Evaluation Committee to ensure that politicians make and follow through on good promises and that ultimately, the votes of Korean American voters will make a difference. From the candidates who made it through the primary, the Korea Daily selected candidates who have produced meaningful policies and contributed to the Korean American community.
The Korea Daily encourages Korean American voters to register and vote to support the continued growth of Korean American political power.
Despite the endorsements, the Korea Daily will continue to provide unbiased coverage.
[Candidate Evaluation Committee]
1. Michelle Steel, 45th Congressional District
The first candidate the Korea Daily will endorse in the 2024 election is U.S. Representative Michelle Steel for the 45th Congressional District. Steel was appointed as a member of the California State Board of Equalization in 2006 and served as Orange County Supervisor in 2015, and is seeking a third term in Congress after becoming the first Korean-American woman elected to Congress in 2021.
In Congress, Steel has served on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Committee on Ways and Means, and Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, where she has advocated for American values and the continued prosperity of minority communities. A third term will allow her to expand her reach and her work on behalf of the Korean American community.
Steele has taken an active role in advocating for the community, including recently co-sponsoring legislation to improve health access for senior patients with limited English proficiency.
Steel’s seat is in a highly competitive district, categorized as one of the six California House races that both parties must win to hold the majority. With intensive outreach from both party headquarters, the effort for campaigns’ to raise votes is in full swing.
Steel’s campaign has raised a total of nearly $6.5 million to date, putting her well ahead of her opponent.
The 45th Congressional District includes the heavily Korean-American neighborhoods of Garden Grove, Westminster, Cerritos, Buena Park, Cypress, Artesia, Fullerton, and Brea in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The district’s population is comprised of 38% Asian American, 30% Latino, and 25% Caucasian, and is recognized nationally as a swing district where the interests of the Asian American community are the most powerful.
To learn more about Steel’s campaign, to donate, or to volunteer, visit the campaign website at michellesteelca.com/.
BY BRIAN CHOI, HOONSIK WOO [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
