Despite the lack of an electric boost, John Yi, a candidate for California’s 54th Assembly District, has taken to canvassing on a manual bicycle, showing off his helmet and bike with a smile. “It’s surprisingly agile and gives me a lot of flexibility,” he says.
Yi pedals through Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles, advocating for change. Born in LA and a Georgetown University graduate, he argues that “if ordinary people are still struggling, elections should serve as a judgment on the existing power structure.”
His opponent is a well-connected candidate with a background as a Democratic aide, known to have strong political ties. District 54 includes Koreatown and neighborhoods where low-income Latin and Asian communities are the majority. According to Yi, “Elections that overlook what these communities truly need won’t bring happiness to anyone.”
Yi stresses, “If elected officials don’t continually work to bring in maximum city and state resources for our residents, this election should show that we don’t need them.”
Running against entrenched power isn’t easy. In the third quarter, Lee reported raising approximately $130,000 to the California Secretary of State’s office. His opponent, however, has raised over $1 million. Can Yi bridge the financial gap?
“Historically, the candidate with more funds usually wins. But if true politics means fulfilling residents’ needs, then the right choice is to choose an alternative,” Yi said.
Last weekend, his team partnered with David Kim, a congressional candidate for District 34, canvassing near Downtown LA to encourage voting. “In every conversation, people wanted ‘livelihood issues’ to come first. The loudest calls were for tax dollars to directly benefit our neighborhoods and streets. They need someone to take responsibility for rising prices and housing costs.”
Yi’s support largely comes from progressive young voters. Around 1,000 donors contributed between $100 and $200. Many are watching to see if his campaign, fueled by the power of bicycle pedals, can carry him to Sacramento.
If elected, Yi also aims to push for Metro’s board to include elected representatives, increasing public accountability. He supports Proposition 33, which would strengthen rent control, but opposes Proposition 36, which seeks harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Yi argues that “issues with police services need to be addressed through reforms, not increased penalties.”
BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
