San Francisco – In a decisive show of support for the city’s next congressional representative, former Washington governor and the nation’s first Chinese‑American ambassador to China, Gary Locke, announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate Connie Chan on Friday. Locke’s backing arrives alongside that of Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, another historic first‑generation Chinese‑American official.
Endorsements rooted in family legacy and public service
Locke, who served as U.S. commerce secretary and U.S. ambassador to China under President Barack Obama, highlighted his family’s immigrant story as a model of the American Dream. “My family’s story taught me that the American Dream depends on each generation opening doors for the next,” Locke said in a statement. “Connie Chan understands that responsibility. She’ll bring that same determination to Congress: lowering costs, expanding opportunity and ensuring that families who work hard can get ahead.”
Attorney General Tong added, “I’m proud to endorse Connie Chan for Congress. San Francisco can count on her to stand her ground.” Both endorsements underscore the growing political influence of the city’s sizable Chinese community, which makes up nearly a quarter of San Francisco’s population.
Chan’s outreach to Chinese‑American voters
Chan, who could become San Francisco’s first Chinese‑American member of Congress, has intensified her outreach to Chinese‑American voters in the final stretch before Election Day. She recently appeared in a Chinese‑language interview, stating, “If the Chinese community is willing to come out and vote, we will win.” The candidate also honored tradition by visiting the historic Kong Chow Temple in Chinatown, a gesture that resonated with local elders and community leaders.
Earlier this week, Chan joined roughly 200 Chinese voters and community leaders for a get‑out‑the‑vote march through Chinatown, reinforcing her commitment to mobilize the community. Her campaign’s grassroots efforts include a door‑to‑door canvass that has already reached thousands of households requesting Chinese‑language ballots.
Rival candidate ramps up Chinese‑language outreach
State Senator Scott Wiener, Chan’s Republican opponent, is also courting Chinese‑American voters. He hosted a Chinese‑language media round‑table on Monday, seeking to increase his visibility within the monolingual Chinese‑speaking community. Wiener’s team reports having made 22,000 phone calls to the 21,146 registered voters in the city who have requested Chinese ballots as of Oct. 22, according to consultant Todd David.
Both campaigns recognize that the Chinese‑American electorate could be decisive in a race that will determine who fills the seat vacated by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
What the endorsement means for the race
Locke’s endorsement brings national credibility and a powerful narrative of immigrant success to Chan’s campaign. It also signals to Chinese‑American voters that Chan’s platform aligns with the values of hard work, family stability, and economic opportunity—principles that have guided Locke’s own public service.
With Election Day approaching, the race is expected to tighten as both candidates intensify outreach efforts. Voters are encouraged to review each candidate’s positions on key issues such as cost‑of‑living relief, job creation, and support for families, and to cast their ballots at the nearest polling place.
How to vote
San Francisco voters can find their polling locations and request Chinese‑language ballots through the city’s official elections website. Early voting begins next week, and absentee ballot requests remain open through the deadline.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
