Hi Rebels!
Election week is officially over, but there’s still plenty to talk about. One number in particular really stands out to us: roughly 70% of Asian American voters backed Democratic House candidates, according to national polling. That’s a pretty noticeable shift from 2024.
We also have a closer look at news from the Justice Department, several candidates who made history and what the election means for Chinese American representation.
Meanwhile, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is facing questions from Congress about a purported female spy allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence. There’s also a former West Point cadet who received more time for school before he gets his sentencing in an assault case and two separate violent incidents around a recent major Sikh gathering.
Featured
Asian American voters delivered a big midterm surprise
So how did Asian Americans actually vote after months of mixed polling? Well, national poll numbers point to a pretty decisive shift.
According to SSRS’ national voter survey, Asian voters, who made up 4% of respondents, elected Democratic House candidates 71% to 28%. Young AAPI voters showed even stronger support for the Democrats.
What else we’re tracking
A California win just made history for Chinese Americans in Congress
This pediatrician from Sacramento is heading to Washington, and his victory sets a new congressional record. Democrat Richard Pan’s win brings the number of lawmakers of Chinese descent to six for the first time. He’ll join some familiar names on Capitol Hill when the new Congress convenes in January.
Did Nvidia’s CEO just fall for a honeypot?
Tech billionaire Jensen Huang has admitted to being unfaithful to his wife amid reports that a Chinese businesswoman he knew was an alleged spy recruited by Beijing’s intelligence agency. Congress is demanding answers and Nvidia’s board has launched an independent investigation.
Ex-West Point cadet gets sentencing delayed so he can finish school
Caleb Suh admitted to secretly sedating his pregnant former girlfriend and administering abortion pills without her consent, causing her to miscarry. He later graduated from Cornell and is now enrolled at Columbia. After a judge agreed to delay his sentencing so he can finish the semester, the victim is now suing him for damages.
Ted Lieu eyes an even bigger role as Democrats take Congress
Already the highest-ranking Asian American in House leadership history, Ted Lieu is seeking to chair the House Democratic Caucus as his party prepares to take control. The California congressman, who has no announced opponent so far, will face leadership elections on Nov. 18 and 19.
Pelosi’s pick loses despite strong support from Chinatown
Nancy Pelosi endorsed Connie Chan to succeed her in Congress, but the Hong Kong-born supervisor lost to state Sen. Scott Wiener despite strong support from Chinatown and working-class neighborhoods. Chan has conceded the race, although late-counted ballots narrowed the gap between the two candidates.
Two violent incidents shake one of America’s biggest Sikh celebrations
Yuba City’s annual Sikh celebration was marked by a stabbing that injured two people during its main parade and a separate shooting near the temple the previous day. Two men have been arrested in connection with the stabbing. Investigators have yet to determine whether the incidents were related.
South Korean adoptee becomes Oregon City’s first Asian American mayor
Adopted from South Korea as an infant, Adam Marl received more than 70% of the vote, making him both the youngest person elected to the office and the city’s first Asian American mayor. His young political career began with helping recall a mayor and joining the City Commission at just 20.
This 27-year-old Indian American just flipped another Republican seat
Four years after flipping a Republican-held Illinois House seat at 23, Nabeela Syed has done it again, this time defeating a Republican incumbent for a state Senate seat. The Indian American Democrat had to overcome some anti-Muslim hostility she faced while campaigning.
Trump’s Indian American civil rights chief steps down unexpectedly
Harmeet Dhillon has resigned as head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division after overseeing more than 100 college admissions investigations. The longtime Trump ally insists she wasn’t asked to leave. The circumstances surrounding her departure remain unclear.
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