Rep. Andy Kim has made history as the first Korean-American elected to the U.S. Senate, securing a victory in New Jersey’s special election on Tuesday. Kim, a Democrat, will take over the Senate seat previously held by former Senator Bob Menendez, who resigned in August following his indictment on federal bribery and corruption charges.
The Associated Press officially called the race for Kim shortly after 8 p.m. on election night, with the congressman defeating Republican Curtis Bashaw, a real estate developer from Cape May. Kim, who has represented New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district since 2019, was visibly moved as he addressed his supporters during his victory celebration.
“I say to you from the bottom of my heart as the Jersey kid who never thought he would be able to say this: I am your next United States Senator,” Kim said, expressing disbelief and gratitude. “This moment is beyond anything I ever imagined.”
Kim thanked his parents and his wife, Kammy, for their steadfast support throughout his campaign. He also shared a heartfelt message to his sons, Austin, 9, and August, 7, who joined him on stage. “I hope you’re proud of me,” he told them.
The race was largely shaped by the scandal surrounding Menendez, who had been indicted on federal charges in 2023, with his conviction in July 2024 leading to his resignation. Kim, who officially announced his candidacy the day after Menendez’s indictment, campaigned on a platform of reform and integrity.
Kim, widely recognized for his role in cleaning up the Capitol Rotunda after the January 6, 2021, insurrection, has become known as a champion of justice and transparency. In his victory speech, he reflected on his rise from humble beginnings to the Senate: “I never imagined I would be standing here as New Jersey’s next senator. But here we are, and it’s because of you, the people who believed in this vision.”
Bashaw, a seasoned businessman known for his work on historic restorations in Cape May, conceded the race in a speech to his supporters, calling Kim to congratulate him on the victory. “I believe we have fought a good fight,” Bashaw said, as applause echoed through the crowd. “We are building a bigger and better Republican Party together.”
Kim’s election to the Senate marks a significant milestone for Asian-American representation in U.S. politics. His victory comes after a tumultuous period for the New Jersey Democratic Party, following Menendez’s legal troubles and eventual resignation.
In other results from New Jersey, Menendez’s son, Rob Menendez, successfully won reelection to the state’s 8th congressional district, defeating Republican challenger Anthony Valdes.
