Watching Andy Kim’s historic victory last night felt like a spark of hope in an otherwise highly divisive and discordant election. As a young Korean American intern for his campaign, I stood with my fellow volunteers, holding “Andy Kim for Senate” signs, all of us buzzing with anticipation. It was really happening. And when the major news outlets called the race, there was electric excitement in the room.
Andy Kim is not only the first Korean American elected to the U.S. Senate, but also the first Asian American senator from New Jersey. At 41, he’s among the youngest senators and one of only a handful of Asian Americans ever elected to the Senate. His successful campaign also marked a rare challenge to New Jersey’s powerful county line system, setting a precedent for fairer elections statewide.
Nov. 5, 2024: Rep. Andy Kim delivers victory speech in Cherry Hill, NJ, after becoming the first Korean American U.S. senator.
Getting here wasn’t easy for Kim. I distinctly remember the frustration with New Jersey’s entrenched political system and the pessimistic haze around New Jersey politics. Kim, the son of Korean immigrants, wasn’t just facing his Republican opponent, Curtis Bashaw; he also went up against Tammy Murphy, the governor’s wife, backed by powerful party insiders.
But Kim’s drive to break through all of that was inspiring. He tapped into a need for change that so many people here in New Jersey felt, and he stuck with a message of hope and integrity. To young people like me, he was proof that good people can still make it in politics.
One of the most significant aspects of his campaign was the courage it took to challenge—and win—a federal lawsuit against the county line system. For years, party leaders used these lines to keep their grip on power, and it was rare for anyone to stand up against it. Even after Tammy Murphy dropped out of the race—something I speculated was a move to get him to back off the lawsuit and make a deal—Kim kept pushing. He didn’t back down, even when things could have ended cleanly for himself. By winning that lawsuit, he changed the political game in New Jersey, opening the door for fairer elections and giving power back to the people.
Kim’s win also came at a time when a lot of people had lost faith in state politics, especially after Senator Bob Menendez’s recent bribery conviction. Kim’s victory felt like a step toward restoring that trust, showing there are still leaders willing to stand up to corruption. In his victory speech, he said, “Tonight isn’t just about one election. It’s about giving people a reason to believe again.” Hearing those words hit home for me—that maybe we can really rebuild something better.
When Kim walked onto the stage with his two young sons beside him, the pride in the room was something you could feel. A hard-working, second generation Korean American, who chose the path of public service with his immense education, and seemed to be truly dedicated to serving the people. Seeing the first Korean American Senator up there made me believe in what’s possible when you honor that legacy and keep moving forward. Standing there, watching him with his small kids, I realized how much this victory meant, not just for Korean Americans like me but for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.
This win meant so much because, for so many people, the night was filled with disappointment and frustration over politics. But Kim’s victory showed me that there’s still hope, that there are still people willing to fight for a better future. It was a rare spot of optimism about this nation’s future and what my generation will grow up to inherit. I hope that Kim’s rare breed of public servant will become a more common sight in American politics: someone who works for the people and tries their best to make their voices heard through them. I can believe now in something bigger than myself and am proud and excited to watch a good man make history
