Korean American candidates advanced in several key races in the California primary election, with Reps. Young Kim and Dave Min securing spots in the November general election.
Kim overcame a highly competitive primary challenge against a fellow Republican incumbent after redistricting placed the two lawmakers in the same congressional district.
As of 5 p.m. on June 3, Kim had received 25,781 votes, or 21.7%, placing second in the primary for California’s 40th Congressional District. Under California’s top-two primary system, Kim will advance to the November general election alongside Rep. Ken Calvert, who finished first.
Calvert, a Republican who has served 17 terms in Congress, received 42,590 votes, or 35.9%. He chose to run in the 40th District after redistricting made his former 41st District more favorable to Democrats. Because part of his previous district was incorporated into the 40th District, the race became a rare contest between two incumbent Republicans and drew national attention.
Rep. Dave Min secured a more comfortable path to the general election in California’s 47th Congressional District. Min led the race with 54,910 votes, or 42.7%, holding an advantage of more than 20,000 votes over second-place Republican candidate Jenny Le Le Roux.
Among the Korean American candidates running in the primary, California insurance commissioner candidate Jane Kim posted one of the strongest performances.
As of 5 p.m. on June 3, Kim was in first place with 1,102,073 votes, or 23.7%, maintaining a sizable lead over second-place candidate Ben Allen.
Kim’s performance was particularly notable in a crowded field of 11 candidates. Her stronger-than-expected support established her as a leading contender in the statewide race.
Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Paul Seo was also leading in the race for California’s 66th Assembly District. Seo had received 23,387 votes, but the contest remained close, with Republican candidate Jessica Maldonado trailing by only 1,458 votes.
Irene Lee, a special assistant to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, appeared likely to win the race for Los Angeles County Superior Court Office No. 14.
Judicial races can be decided during the primary when a candidate receives a majority of the vote. Lee had secured 630,357 votes, or 59%, giving her a lead of more than 200,000 votes over Angie Christides.
Other Korean American candidates, however, appeared unlikely to advance.
The Rev. Sam Shin, who ran in California’s 26th State Senate District, placed seventh among eight candidates and failed to qualify for the general election.
Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung was in third place in the race for the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ 4th District. Jung trailed the second-place candidate by more than 80,000 votes, making a comeback unlikely.
Attorney Ann Cho was in second place in the race for Orange County Superior Court Office No. 13. Because judicial elections are generally decided in the primary when a candidate wins a majority, her chances of victory appeared limited.
Ballot counting remained underway, and the final results in several closely contested races were expected to be confirmed after all remaining votes were processed.
