Democratic U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, a three-term New Jersey congressman and Cherry Hill East alumnus, was elected to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, making history as the first Korean American to serve in the Senate. Kim’s victory resonates deeply, particularly among the Asian American and Cherry Hill East community in New Jersey, symbolizing a step toward greater representation in American politics.
Raised in Burlington County by Korean immigrant parents, Kim graduated from Cherry Hill East in 2000, later earning his PhD from Oxford University. A father of two, he has maintained close ties to his home state, raising his family in the same community where he grew up. Kim served as New Jersey’s first Asian American representative in Congress. Now he will serve as the first ever Korean American in the Senate representing the state of New Jersey.
Kim’s reputation as a dedicated and diligent public servant gained national acclaim in 2021, when he was spotted cleaning up trash in the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 riot. His commitment to bipartisanship is evident through his twice-winning record in a district that favored the recently reelected President Trump. His appeal over both party lines is shown through Kim’s career in public service spanning both Democratic and Republican administrations, as he has served in the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and as an advisor in Afghanistan to Generals Petraeus and Allen.
Kim’s campaign centered on tackling New Jersey’s political corruption and running for former Sen. Bob Menendez’s seat, who resigned after facing federal indictment in a global bribery scheme. Kim was the first Democrat to enter the race and was later joined by Tammy Murphy, Governor Phil Murphy’s wife, who ultimately withdrew after Kim legally challenged New Jersey’s ballot design that favors party-backed candidates.
On election night, Kim celebrated his victory at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, a meaningful location for his family. It was the hotel where they first stayed upon moving to New Jersey.
“We showed that politics isn’t some exclusive club, just for the well-off and the well-connected,” Kim told supporters gathered there, highlighting the inclusivity and accessibility his campaign stood for.
In an interview with Eastside earlier this year, Kim shared fond memories of his days at Cherry Hill East. “I remember it so vividly. I can walk the halls in my mind… I remember the people, I remember my friends, I remember the teachers… I’m still hanging out with some of my closest friends from high school, causing trouble where we can,” he said, underscoring his lasting connection to the school community.
For the large Korean American population in New Jersey, Kim’s election is a source of pride and empowerment. Reflecting on his historic win, he remarked, “It means you can feel confident that we are finally part of this country.” His presence in the Senate represents a powerful milestone for representation during a tumultuous time in American politics.
