A new generation of Asian Americans win seats in NYC's city council

Top row left to right: Julie Won and Linda Lee. Bottom row left to right: Sandra Ung, Shahana Hanif,
and Shekar Krishnan

Asian American representation received a huge boost in New York City when five AAPI candidates won their contests for the city's City Council.

Four of the newcomers will represent portions of Queens, home to New York's largest and most diverse population of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Bengladeshi, Filipino, Pakistani and Indian communities.

The neophyte politicians include: Julie Won, Sandra Ung, Linda Lee, Shahana Hanif and Shekar Krishnan.

“Having Asian American council members serve on various committees, advocating on behalf of Asian seniors, of Asian businesses, is really important,” said Asian American Federation's Howard Shih told NBC Asian America. “Having their voice on the inside pushing for budget changes, for resources for community organizations, for access to discretionary funds, is really important.”

Asian Americans make up 14% of New York City's population of 8.2 million. According to the 2020 Census, there were about 1.4 million Asian Americans residing in New York City. 

All the new council members are Democrats, young and hold progressive views. The new council members' wins come amidst a wave of anti-Asian hate incidents in New York's streets and subways. The rise in hate acts have also given a renewed activism and awareness in the AAPI community that has increased participation in politics.

The five newcomers represent the highest number of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation the council has ever had, according to NBC News.  In the past, only two members of the AAPI community had served on the 51-member city council.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, tips, rants and raves from an AAPI perspective, follow me on Twitter @DioknoEd.