Following primary day, New York’s Chinese community has been basking in the joy of two high-profile wins. Ellen Young won in Flushing 22nd District while Margaret Chan won the Manhattan 2nd District civil court judgeship. Many community leaders, who contributed in various forms during the campaign, are jubilant about the strong showing and its significance for Chinese political participation.

Johnson Lee, co-chair of the Chinese American Voters Association, is already counting on Young to be a state assemblywoman and hoping that she will serve diligently and advocate for Chinese interests in Albany.

Shigan Chang, vice-president of the United Fujianese of American Association, is very happy to see the double win for Chinese candidates. He said it is a sign of Chinese voters’ influence and proves that the turnout effort was not in vain.

Chang said that Chinese have been criticized for voting only for Chinese. While conceding the importance of voting for the best qualified candidate, he said that it is clear that a Chinese elected official has a better grasp of Chinese issues and always works harder to serve the community. He said that different ethnic groups should live harmoniously without diminishing or disparaging the solidarity within each group.

Fenchuan Don, also vice president of the United Fujianese of American Association, praised Young as someone who “really has been working hard for the community” and who more than deserves her election.

Long-time educator Jacob Huang sees Young’s win as a milestone for Chinese political participation and will encourage more Chinese to run. Huang expects voters to hold candidates accountable to their campaign pledges.

Peter Koo, chairman of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, is happy that the seat has been retained by a Chinese. He would have felt really bad if Asians could not hold on to a district that is 53 percent Asian. He urged every party to “let the past be the past and have a new beginning from September 12.”

Chan Ching Chuen, advisor for the Fukien American Association, also thinks the primary showed the power of Chinese voters. He pointed out that Chan won decisively in almost every poll site in Chinatown. This is real power that cannot be overlooked by the mainstream society.