Looking ahead to the 2024 general election to choose the leaders of our communities, the Korea Daily is announcing endorsements and weighing in on the candidates and propositions.
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.
Despite the endorsements, the Korea Daily will continue to provide unbiased coverage.
4. John Yi, California State Assembly District 54
The Korea Daily is proud to officially endorse John Yi, who is running for California State Assembly District 54, with a commitment to revitalizing the economy and environment of Koreatown.
Yi, who previously served as the Executive Director of LA Walks, an organization focused on pedestrian rights, grew up in Koreatown. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Russian from the University of Michigan and later earned a master’s degree in Russian Studies and International Affairs from Georgetown University. After completing his studies, Yi worked with the American Lung Association, the Korean Youth and Community Center (KYCC), and the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), where he has served as Executive Director since last year.
California’s 54th Assembly District, which includes Koreatown, is home to over 460,000 residents, with the population comprising 30% Latino, 29% White, 25% African American, and 13% Asian. The district has approximately 320,000 registered voters and includes key areas such as Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, Century City, and Westwood.
The seat became vacant after three-term Assemblymember Miguel Santiago ran for Los Angeles City Council earlier this year. Yi secured second place in the March primary, advancing to the runoff election.
His opponent, a fellow Democrat with strong ties to the local Latino community, is expected to make this a highly competitive race.
Yi’s platform focuses on key issues such as environmental sustainability, public safety, affordable housing, and resolving chronic traffic problems. He emphasizes the need for change, urging voters who are disappointed with the status quo to choose a new path.
Fluent in Spanish, Yi is running a grassroots campaign, conducting door-to-door visits and phone calls with limited resources to encourage voter participation.
For more information on John Yi’s campaign, platform, or to volunteer, visit his campaign website at https://www.johnforassembly.com.
[Candidate Evaluation Committee]
