Chinese community supports Kevin Mullin running for Congress with fundraisers

(SAN FRANCISCO) It is the first time in 15 years to have an open seat for the congressional race in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. The Chinese community is eager to support Kevin Mullin who is running for the House of Representative 15th District to succeed Congresswoman Jackie Speier who announced her retirement last November.

Mullin, who is currently serving in the legislature as the California Assembly Speaker pro Tem, will be the Democratic candidate for Congress in the June primary election. Top two candidates in the June race will have a runoff election in November.

There have been two fundraisers co-hosted by the Chinese community leaders in recent weeks. The first fundraiser was held on March 26 at the New Asian Pearl Restaurant in Millbrae. The second fundraiser will be held on April 2 at the Far East Cafe in San Francisco Chinatown.

"I am a member of the team to support Kevin running for Congress. It is a group effort. He is the Chinese community's candidate," said Teresa Lai, one of the co-hosts for the Millbrae fundraiser.

City Councilmember of Redwood City Jeff Gee, Fremont City Councilmember Teresa Keng who is running for the Assembly in June, Former Millbrae City Councilmember Wayne Lee, San Francisco Police Commissioner Larry Yee and Veteran Affairs Commissioner Hanley Chan were among the 100 supporters in the Millbrae fundraising event.

April 2 fundraising event in SF Chinatown is co-hosted by Police Commissioner Larry Yee, Portola Community Leader Hazel Lee, Northeast Community Federal Credit Union CEO Lily Lo and Business Leader Wilson Chu.

Lee and Lo spoke in the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) March meeting to announce the fundraiser. "This is the first time in 15 years for us to elect a new member to the Congress. The position is very related to all of us on all levels, including the US and China relationship,” said Lee.