As of yesterday, Anaheim has two new representatives in the California Legislature. Supervisor Janet Nguyen took the oath of office as the new state senator from the 37th Senate District (which includes south Anaheim), as did congressional aide Young Kim, who now represents the 65th Assembly District (which includes Anaheim west of the 5 and south of the 91 freeways).
Sen. Nguyen won a commanding victory last month, demolishing her Democratic opponent, college district trustee Jose Solorio, 58.3% to 41.7%. The energetic Young Kim decisively defeated now-former Democratic incumbent Young Kim 54.6% to 45.4%. Both are eligible to serve a maximum of twelve years in the legislature. Nguyen and Kim are part of the wave of Republican women – particularly, Asian Republican women – elected to higher office in Orange County this year.
Anaheim is fortunate to have two conservative, pro-business Republican voices joining Senator Bob Huff and Assemblyman Don Wagner to speak for it in the state legislature.