Andy Kim

Andy Kim is a Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey, first elected to the seat in 2024. Born in Boston and raised in South Jersey, he is the son of Korean immigrants. Kim earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Chicago and later attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where he completed a doctorate in international relations. Before entering elective office, he served as a career national security official, working at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the State Department, and the Pentagon. He also served as a director for Iraq on the National Security Council under the Obama administration. Kim began his congressional career in 2019 after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for New Jersey's 3rd district, a seat he held for three terms. During his time in the House, he served on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. In 2024, he won the election for the U.S. Senate to succeed the seat previously held by Bob Menendez, making history as the first Korean American elected to the Senate and the first Asian American to represent New Jersey in that body. He gained national recognition for his service as a public servant and for his advocacy regarding government transparency and ethics reform.

Andy Kim’s policy positions focus on expanding healthcare access, promoting economic security, and reforming government ethics. He supports the Affordable Care Act, advocates for lowering prescription drug prices, and serves on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. On the economy, he emphasizes strengthening the middle class, supporting labor unions, and investing in infrastructure and affordable housing. Kim is a vocal proponent of campaign finance reform and was a key figure in successfully challenging New Jersey's "county line" primary ballot system. His foreign policy views prioritize international alliances, trilateral cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, and the integration of economic and national security. He also supports climate action through clean energy investment and has been a consistent advocate for reproductive rights and gun violence prevention legislation.