Dave Min

David Kunnghee Min is a former member of the California State Senate, representing the 37th district from 2020 to 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, he has a background in law and policy, having served as an assistant law professor at the University of California, Irvine prior to his election to the state legislature. Min's political career has included a previous congressional campaign and a recent election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he began serving in 2025.

Early life and career

Dave Min was born on March 5, 1976, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was raised in Palo Alto, California, where his parents, who immigrated from South Korea in 1972, pursued doctoral degrees at Brown University. This early exposure to academia and diverse cultural perspectives likely influenced Min's educational and professional trajectory. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from the Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the School of Arts and Sciences, both completed in 1999. Following his undergraduate studies, Min pursued a legal education at Harvard Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2002.

Upon graduating from Harvard, Min began his career in financial regulation. He worked as a staff attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he gained experience in federal financial oversight. Subsequently, he served as counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee and as counsel and senior policy advisor to the Joint Economic Committee. These roles provided him with a solid foundation in legislative processes and financial policy.

In 2009, Min joined the Center for American Progress, a prominent liberal think tank, as the associate director for financial markets policy. In this capacity, he supervised the Mortgage Finance Working Group, focusing on issues related to financial markets and housing policy. His academic career began in 2012 when he became an assistant law professor at the University of California, Irvine. His teaching and research focused on banking law, capital markets, and real estate finance. That same year, he testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee regarding the effects of the Dodd-Frank Financial Regulations, showcasing his expertise in financial policy. Min also passed the California bar exam in 2022, further solidifying his legal credentials.

Legislative service

Min's political career began to take shape when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2017, challenging incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters in California's 45th congressional district. His motivation for running stemmed from a response to national political events, particularly President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Although he received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party, Min finished third in the primary election, trailing Walters and fellow candidate Katie Porter, who ultimately won the general election.

Following this initial foray into politics, Min shifted his focus to the California State Senate. On January 9, 2019, he declared his candidacy for the 37th State Senate district, aiming to unseat incumbent Republican John Moorlach. In the primary election, Min successfully defeated Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley, advancing to the general election. He narrowly won the general election in November 2020, securing 51.2% of the vote against Moorlach, and officially took office on December 7, 2020.

During his tenure in the California State Senate, which lasted until 2024, Min was involved in various legislative initiatives. He introduced several bills aimed at addressing issues of violence, including measures to enhance protections for survivors of domestic abuse, investigate harassment on public transit systems, and ensure that child custody cases are treated with privacy as a default. Additionally, he sought to reduce gun shows and sales on state-owned property, reflecting a focus on public safety.

Min also attempted to address environmental concerns by introducing legislation to facilitate the termination of offshore oil drilling leases in Orange County, particularly in response to the 2021 Huntington Beach oil spill. However, this proposal faced significant opposition from the oil industry and trade unions, leading to its eventual failure in the legislative process. Some lawmakers raised concerns regarding the potential costs associated with Min's proposed legislation.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the California State Senate, Min represented a district that includes portions of Orange County, an area characterized by its diverse population and economic activities. His policy focus reflected both local concerns and broader state and national issues, particularly in the realms of public safety, environmental protection, and economic regulation.

Min's legislative efforts were informed by his professional background in law and finance, which shaped his approach to policy-making. His work on domestic violence legislation and gun control indicated a commitment to addressing pressing social issues, while his environmental initiatives demonstrated an awareness of the ecological challenges facing California.

Following his time in the State Senate, Min announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2023, seeking to represent California's 47th congressional district. This district became open when incumbent Katie Porter decided to run for the U.S. Senate. Despite facing challenges, including a DUI arrest in 2023, Min continued his campaign and advanced to the general election after finishing second in the primary. He ultimately won the election against Republican nominee Scott Baugh, with the Associated Press projecting his victory in November 2024.

Min's legislative career reflects a trajectory marked by a commitment to public service and a focus on issues relevant to his constituents. His background in law and policy has informed his approach to governance, and his ongoing political activities continue to shape his role in California and national politics.