The Chinese community is already looking to the next steps in the campaign of the 22nd District of the State Assembly. After the withdrawal of Grace Meng, Chinese civic groups are calling for solidarity in the district to encourage the Asian candidate and keep the seat for an Asian.

Johnson Lee, co-director of the Chinese American Voters Association, said that the campaign is hardly over. Although only one Chinese candidate is left, it is still unclear what will happen on election day. He pointed out that, as everyone knows, Meng’s supporters are unlikely to vote for Ellen Young.

Lee said that because of the business and residential changes in Flushing in recent years, some non-Chinese harbor animosity toward the Chinese, a sentiment that could lead to racial voting. It will not do to underestimate Julia Harrison.

Lee, who does not think Young’s supporters should take victory for granted, said Chinese voters need to think of the best interests of the community, urging them to unite and vote in order to ensure they are represented in the State Assembly.

Wei Hua Wang, director of the Chinese American Voters Alliance, said that according to Alliance bylaws, he cannot endorse any particular candidate, but he thinks Chinese voters should understand that their interests are best served with a Chinese representative.

Wang also urged Flushing voters not to take anything for granted. Chinese voters should not waiver in their support for the Chinese candidate or lose interest in voting because they feel their candidate is destined to win.

Peter Lau of the Chinatown Voters Education Alliance said that Chinese votes are not only the engine to push for a Chinese representative, but also a way to show the passion of Chinese political participation. Every eligible voter should vote to increase the turnout.

The Chinese American Voters Association still plans to hold a candidate’s debate on August 26th. Other organizations are planning similar events.