“We need all hands on deck to survive this tough race.”
Former State Assemblyman Steven S. Choi (R), who plans to run for the California State Senate District 37, called for support from voters ahead of his official announcement of candidacy.
“Democrats outnumber Republicans by 2 to 3 percent among the 620,000 voters in District 37. So, we’re trying to get independents to recognize that the Republican candidate is a political alternative,” Choi said. “For the party, it’s about taking back the seat, and for the Korean American community, it’s about having a Korean American representative in the California State Senate.”
Within the Republican Party, Villa Park City Councilwoman Crystal Miles, former Irvine City Councilman Anthony Kuo, and Santa Ana College professor Ali Kowsari have announced their intentions to run. All have little outstanding experience in elected office and are generally considered to be weaker candidates than Choi.
The most likely Democratic candidate to face a runoff is incumbent State Senator Josh Newman (District 29). Newman, a Fullerton native, was first elected in 2020.
Choi’s campaign, in particular, believes that there has been an uptick in voter disillusionment with the Democratic administration and the state legislature, and that Choi has a clear path to victory with the support of nonpartisan voters.
“As a fellow Korean American candidate, the DUI case is very unfortunate,” Choi said, noting that the 37th District incumbent State Senator Dave Min’s campaign will be heavily attacked by competing candidates, “So it will be a challenge to respond well.”
Choi’s campaign will kick off its fundraising and electioneering activities with a kickoff ceremony at 11 a.m. on July 22 at Yongsusan restaurant in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
BY INSEONG CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
