Ron Kim

Ron Kim is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 40th District, which encompasses parts of Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, and Murray Hill in Queens. A member of the Democratic Party, Kim was first elected to the Assembly in November 2012, making history as the first Korean American elected to a state office in New York. Throughout his tenure, he has held various leadership roles, including Vice-Chair of the Majority Conference and Chair of the Committee on Aging. His legislative work has focused on a range of issues, including education, immigration, and economic development.

Early life and career

Ron Kim was born on May 2, 1979, into a Korean American family that immigrated to Queens, New York, when he was seven years old. He is the only child of Seo Jun Kim and Sun Hee Kim. Growing up in Flushing, he attended Riverdale Country Day School in the Bronx, where he excelled in athletics, serving as captain of both the football and track teams. After graduating in 1997, Kim pursued higher education at Hamilton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree while continuing to play football at the varsity level. He later attended Baruch College, where he completed a Master’s in Public Administration as part of the National Urban Fellows Program.

Kim's career in public service began in the office of then-Councilmember John Liu, where he focused on quality-of-life issues affecting the Flushing community. He subsequently worked as an aide to then-State Assemblyman Mark Weprin before joining the New York State Department of Buildings and later the Department of Small Business Services. In 2004, he was accepted into the National Urban Fellows Program, which placed him in a fellowship advising the Chief Education Office of the Chicago Public Schools while he completed his graduate studies.

In 2006, Kim became a Policy Analyst for then-New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, concentrating on legislative matters related to transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. From 2007 to 2010, he served as a Regional Director for Government and Community Affairs under Governors Eliot Spitzer and David A. Paterson, collaborating with state agencies, elected officials, and community organizations. Following his tenure in the Governor’s office, Kim worked at the Parkside Group, where he advocated for children with special needs, small businesses, and community organizations.

In June 2012, Kim announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly seat being vacated by Grace Meng, who was running for a position in the U.S. House of Representatives. He secured victory in a competitive Democratic primary and subsequently won the general election against his Republican opponent.

Legislative service

Since taking office, Ron Kim has been an active member of the New York State Assembly, where he has worked on a variety of legislative initiatives. In his early days in office, he contributed to the passage of legislation aimed at providing tax relief for New York City homeowners, which was intended to stimulate housing development. His legislative focus has included education, senior services, and immigration issues. He has been a strong advocate for the DREAM Act at the state level and has sponsored a bill to designate Lunar New Year as an allowable school holiday in New York City, a proposal that was later adopted by the mayor.

Kim's legislative efforts have often been inspired by events occurring within his district. For instance, following a robbery and assault involving taxi drivers, he became a proponent of the Taxi Drivers Protection Act. He currently chairs the Committee on Aging and serves on several other committees, including Education, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Governmental Operations, and Housing. Additionally, he is a co-founder of the New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force and is a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus.

In a notable stance against corporate influence, Kim was the first public official to oppose Amazon's proposed headquarters in New York City. His position sparked broader discussions regarding corporate subsidies, economic development, and the return on investment for such initiatives. He has consistently advocated for policies that prioritize the needs of local communities over corporate interests.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his tenure, Ron Kim has maintained a strong focus on issues that resonate with his constituents in the 40th District. His advocacy for education has included support for various initiatives aimed at improving access and quality of services for students and families. He has also been vocal about immigration matters, reflecting the diverse demographic makeup of his district, which includes a significant Asian American population.

Kim's commitment to addressing economic challenges is evident in his efforts to support small businesses and promote economic development. He has collaborated with fellow legislators to pass measures that enhance access to small loans and seed funding for micro-businesses, recognizing the vital role these enterprises play in the local economy. His work has also included initiatives aimed at alleviating student debt, where he has organized community leaders and labor groups to advocate for the cancellation of student debt and proposed financial mechanisms to support this goal.

In addition to his legislative work, Kim has been engaged in broader discussions about the influence of foreign entities in American elections, particularly concerning the impact of groups with ties to mainland China. He has expressed concerns about foreign influence in local politics, particularly in relation to his district.

Overall, Ron Kim's legislative service reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents while advocating for policies that promote equity, economic opportunity, and community well-being. His role as a legislator continues to evolve as he engages with the challenges and opportunities facing New York State and his district.