Politics

Republican Young Kim Comes Up Short In History-Seeking Campaign

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Democratic candidate Gil Cisneros edged out Republican Young Kim in the election for California’s 39th Congressional District, thwarting Kim’s bid to become the first Korean-American congresswoman in American history.

Kim initially jumped out to a slim lead of a few points that slowly and steadily withered away as additional ballots were counted in the eight days following the Nov. 6 vote.

Cisneros’ victory flips retiring Republican Rep. Ed Royce’s seat from red to blue in a race that was widely considered a toss-up going into the midterm elections.

Kim first immigrated to the U.S. territory of Guam from South Korea as a teenager in 1975, before later moving to Hawaii and then attending the University of Southern California.

Cisneros won despite a sexual harassment accusation that hampered his campaign early on in the race. The California Democrat who accused him later withdrew her claim.Former President Barack Obama gave Cisneros’ campaign a boost by campaigning for the embattled Democrat even before the allegationwas withdrawn.

Excited to campaign with President Obama this weekend!https://t.co/8G8k6qK9g3

— Gil Cisneros (@GilCisnerosCA) September 7, 2018

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