As election season intensifies, Montclair State University is buzzing with political engagement activities. Among these events was a Q&A session featuring Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and current congressman for New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district Andy Kim. Organized by the Montclair State Democratic Club in collaboration with the Korean Culture & Language Association (KCLA), the session attracted a packed audience eager to hear Kim’s perspectives on politics and the future of the nation.
The New Jersey U.S. Senate race has gained attention following the indictment of long serving Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat who faces a history of allegations of corruption and bribery. Menendez, who has held the seat since 2006 and was a prominent figure in New Jersey politics dropped out of the race in August, opening the door for a new Democratic candidate.
Andy Kim speaks at the Student Center at Montclair State University. Matt Lange | The Montclarion
Andy Kim secured the support of New Jersey’s Democrat voters after challenging the long-standing party line arrangement in NJ primaries, where the candidate favored by county party officials would receive the most prominent position on the ballot.
His victory in the primary made him the favorite to win in the state which has a significantly higher number of registered Democrat voters.
But, this race presents a historic opportunity for New Jersey’s Senate seat, regardless of which candidate emerges victorious. As a first-generation Korean American, Andy Kim has the potential to become the first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) to hold a Senate seat from New Jersey. On the other hand, if his Republican challenger Curtis Bashaw wins New Jersey would have its first openly LGBTQ+ senator.
Congressman Andy Kim speaks to a supporter. Matt Lange | The Montclarion
Jung Hyun Choi, president of KCLA attended the Q&A session. For her, the potential of a Korean senator is a source of pride.
“I’m very proud of him to be a Korean person, to be in the senator,” Choi said.
Choi, who immigrated to America during her middle school years, emphasized the importance of seeing people like herself in politics.
“I really like seeing people around me who want to represent themselves as the power in the United States,” Choi explained.
During the event Kim shared how as the son of immigrants and a product of public schools, he once felt politics wasn’t for someone like him.
Andy Kim speaks at Montclair State University. Matt Lange | The Montclarion
“I always thought that politics was for people with legacy last names,” Kim said, recalling a sentiment that may resonate deeply with many students at Montclair State who also come from humble backgrounds.
“What I’ve come to see is there is a hunger in this country right now for a new generation of leadership to step up,” the congressman said while reflecting on his journey.
“Andy Kim embodies public service, and his track record speaks volumes,” said Anthony Foster, chairman of the Montclair State Democrats. He expressed optimism about Kim’s potential as New Jersey’s next senator.
For students like Ben Coulson, treasurer of the Montclair State Democrats, it was refreshing to see a politician engage directly with students.
“I think all politicians can easily talk about young people and young voters and how it’s very important; very rarely do they actually reach out to those voters and hear their concerns,” Coulson observed.
Some students like Dominic Sama, a political science major, attended the event to gain a deeper understanding of Kim’s candidacy.
“Congressman Kim is an inspiring figure, and it was an honor to meet him,” Sama said, adding, “We need students to be engaged in the political process now more than ever. I don’t see enough of us getting involved.”
