Kim, Young

Young Kim represents California's 40th congressional district and serves as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific. As subcommittee chair, she shapes U.S. foreign policy priorities in one of the world's most economically and strategically significant regions, holding hearings, directing investigations, and advancing legislation on issues ranging from regional security to trade and diplomatic relations. Her role carries substantial influence over how Congress addresses challenges and opportunities involving major powers like China and Japan, as well as allied nations throughout Asia.

Kim's background uniquely positions her for this responsibility. Born in South Korea and immigrating to the United States, she brings firsthand understanding of Asian affairs and cultural dynamics. After graduating from USC, she worked in finance and started her own business before spending 21 years as a community liaison and director of Asian affairs for U.S. Representative Ed Royce. During that tenure, she also hosted television and radio programs focused on political issues affecting Korean Americans, establishing herself as a voice on Asian American concerns and U.S.-Asia relations.

Before reaching Congress, Kim served in the California State Assembly, where she made history as the first South Korean-born Republican woman elected to the state legislature. She was first elected to the U.S. House in 2020, defeating an incumbent Democrat in a competitive Orange County district. She also holds membership on the House Committee on Financial Services and serves on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, further deepening her influence on Asia policy and economic security issues.

Kim has sponsored legislation addressing digital assets, consumer fraud prevention, and international financial institutions, reflecting her financial services background and focus on protecting American interests abroad. Her legislative profile centers on foreign affairs, economic security, and issues affecting Asian American communities, positioning her as a key Republican voice on U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.