Democratic candidate Dave Min has won the congressional race for California’s 47th district, one of the most closely watched contests in the November 5 election. Results were not finalized until November 12, following a tight battle.
His opponent, Republican Scott Baugh, conceded in a statement on November 12. “I was looking forward to working with Democrats, Republicans and @therealdonaldtrump to solve serious problems like an open border, increasing crime, and runaway federal spending but the voters have spoken and this is not what is intended for me,” Baugh wrote.
In his victory statement, Min, who will be the third Korean American to serve as a U.S. Representative from California, emphasized, “We are facing the struggle of our lives to defend this country and its most cherished legacies and democratic institutions.” He said he will head to the nation’s Capitol “with eyes wide open.”
“We are in a fight to protect America, its cherished legacy, and our democratic institutions. I am ready to face the realities ahead as I head to Congress.”
Min pledged to “stand up for our rights, including the reproductive rights of women, and to fight for a stronger and better future for young people, including creating more affordable housing, reducing gun violence, and doing all we can to rescue our civilization from the climate crisis. The fight has just begun.”
As the son of immigrants who survived the Korean War, Min expressed gratitude to the United States, saying, “I owe everything I have to this country. In Congress, I will carry on the fight to protect our democracy, safeguard our freedoms, and expand the economic opportunity at the heart of the American Dream.”
With Rep. Katie Porter (Democrat) running for the U.S. Senate, a vacancy opened in California’s 47th District, leading to a contest between longtime Orange County politician Bo and first-term state Senator Min. Ultimately, voters favored the fresh face of Min.
Min’s victory holds particular significance as he defeated Bo for the open Orange County seat. Min had previously run for Congress against Porter in 2018 but did not make it past the primary.
However, he narrowly won a California State Senate seat in 2020 with 51.1% of the vote and placed second in the primary this year with 25.9%, advancing to ultimately claim first in the general election.
As Michelle Steel’s race in the 45th District remains to be determined, Min inherits the “Korean-American Congressional Representative” title that Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey, who is now vying for a Senate seat, leaves behind. Min joins fellow Korean-Americans Young Kim (45th District), Marilyn Strickland (Washington’s 10th District).
Young Kim, now a senior in the Indo-Pacific and AAPI strategic information sectors, and Andy Kim, who brings practical foreign affairs experience, are likely to focus their efforts on diplomatic matters.
Min, however, is expected to concentrate on business and financial legislation, building on his background as a Harvard Law graduate and UC Irvine Law professor, with interests in banking law, capital markets, and real estate finance.
In the California Senate, he served on committees for natural resources, banking and financial institutions, and energy and communications.
Min is anticipated to continue focusing on legislative efforts related to banking, real estate, and finance in Congress. Should Rep. Steel strengthen her presence in tax-related areas, Korean-American representation on these issues will expand further.
With Min, a second-generation Korean-American, joining Congress, observers see this as a positive signal for future Korean-American political engagement.
The election of a new Korean-American representative from LA and OC is expected to broaden opportunities for second-generation Koreans in politics, potentially inspiring more to pursue various elected offices across levels.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
