NJ Congressman Kim seeks senatorial nomination in 2024 Democratic primaries
Known for his record to work with Democrats and Republicans, Kim says he is the fair choice to unite America, stabilize the economy, and reach a durable peace.
By Marivir R. Montebon
Summit, NJ - A Sunday Meet & Greet with NJ 3rd dist. Democratic Congressman Andrew Kim on the upscale neighborhood of Summit sounded as refreshing as the gentle rain that poured the whole day of December 3.
Kim, 41, of Korean descent and born in Boston, is seeking senatorial nomination at the Democratic primaries of NJ in June 2024. The Korean-American is in contest with a formidable competitor in the primaries, Tammy Murphy, wife of incumbent governor Phil Murphy. Either are up to replace the seat of beleaguered Democratic Senator Robert Menendez.
Kim’s edge, he said, is his education, experience, and commitment (with a track record on senior health care and voters rights as NJ Congressman) to better the future of his children and the younger generation.
It was a full house encounter with about a hundred people in attendance. But then, you'll feel that you're in an Asian household, who supports Kim, because you will only have to wear socks while socializing.
The upcoming elections is serious, with gains in democracy in peril, said Kim. He cited, for instance, how Pres. Trump gutted the health care system by removing the pre-existing health conditions clause in the coverage of health insurance.
NJ Congressman Andy Kim: Choose for change, experience, and integrity. I am ready for this job. This is not an OJT. I run on my merits. I can be a good senator. This is the fight for our kids’ future. So please help me.
“The opposite of democracy is apathy, and we cannot wallow in hopelessness but instead work together for a better future.”
The third Congressional district of New Jersey (pop. 9M), covers nearly all of Burlington County and parts of Mercer and Monmouth Counties.
In his recent election, Kim outperformed Pres. Biden in his district by 8 points and despite living in a district with predominantly white constituents. “There is a hunger in this state to fix our broken politics. I’m stepping up. Choose for change, experience, and integrity. I am ready for this job. This is not an OJT. I run on my merits. I can be a good senator. This is the fight for our kids’ future. So please help me,” he urged the attendees.
Kim with Filipino-American community leader Ledy Almadin (left-most) with FilAm journalists Cristina DC Pastor, this writer, and Momar Visaya.
Ledy Almadin, Filipino-American resident in NJ, lauded Kim’s statement that apathy is the opposite of democracy and said that she must have found her senatorial candidate.
Kim (b. 1982) has worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served as a diplomat at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.
In the House of Representatives, Kim’s working agenda included passing the inflation reduction law, climate change laws, voting rights act, lowering health care cost for senior citizens which he authored, and addressing the mental health crisis of the country.
“We have changed the trajectory of this country by connecting with people,” he said. Asked how he will address immigration issues of Filipinos and Asians, Kim said he will have to directly consult with them in order to come up with specific legislation and action programs.
Kim supports measures that boost the economy by investing in small businesses and innovation, creating fairness and opportunities for working families, and honoring America's promises to military families and veterans. He serves in the congressional small business committee, corona virus committee, and the national security committee.
As a diplomat, he believes that senators need to know national security issues to reach a durable peace. He said that the wars in Europe, and the Middle East, and the one brewing in IndoChina are concerning for the children’s future. “I am a fight-for-their-future kind of dad. Although now I am missing the first piano recital of my sons. My wife and I agree that this fight is more than just about us.”
Kim is a son of immigrants from the Korea, who he said had an ‘insatiable appetite for success.’ His father, born with polio, abandoned, and had begged as kid, earned his PhD in genetics while his mother became a nurse while being mostly a single mother.
“I want to give back to this state that gave us this much education and first job. Our politics are constantly letting us down. We need the highest level of integrity and standards. What will this country be like five years from now? I look at it as spinning out of control. I don’t have the luxury of saying I’ll let someone do this for me. Now it’s for my kids’ sanity and future. So I am stepping up. We need to fight this together.”#
