Andy Kim makes history as first Korean American elected to Senate

PALISADES PARK, N.J. (PIX11) – Half a century after his parents immigrated to America, Andy Kim has made history.

After a victory over Republican Curtis Bashaw, the Democratic Congressman and now Senator-elect is set to become the first Korean American in the Senate.

"I think it's definitely a monumental, historic event and election," said Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-NJ 37th District), who said Kim's victory shows New Jersey's inclusion of cultures and echoes his message of encouraging more Asian Americans to run for office. "I hope to see this as not just a trend but for things to come for all other cultures and all other ethnic backgrounds," said Park.

"The State of New Jersey have accepted Andy Kim not as a person who looks like a Korean American, or an Asian American, but an American himself," said Chong Paul Kim, Mayor of Palisades Park, a Borough in Bergen County whose Korean American population is more than 60 percent. "God bless America. And I think this is a very good example of Korean Americans finding their place to make this place their home."

Over 10 percent of the State's population is Asian American or Pacific Islander. Amber Reed, president of AAPI New Jersey, hopes all people can see themselves in Kim's story.

"It's incredible to think that 72 years ago, an Asian American couldn't even become a full citizen with the right to vote," said Reed, "and now we're electing an Asian American, a Korean American, to one of just three statewide offices, really makes me feel like -- people should know we do belong here."