[by Catherine Wahrmund amiangs0210@gmail.com ]

Former Coppell Deputy Mayor John Jun, who is challenging the Texas House of Representatives election on November 5, emphasizes that “Korean American voters can become swing voters.”

The Korean population in North Texas is estimated to be around 120,000. Assuming half of them are citizens, if about 10,000 to 30,000 register as voters, the Korean community will wield significant political influence, according to candidate Jun.

Candidate Jun states, “The number 10,000 is powerful in American elections. It can determine the outcome of local elections. Therefore, if 10,000 Korean voters register and go to the polls in North Texas, it will attract the attention of both the Republican and Democratic parties.”

As a minority, it is not easy to attract attention from the political sphere, even if trying to form a network with the mainstream society. However, the economic impact that Koreans have created in North Texas is already recognized by the political world. It is now time to exert political influence. Candidate John Jun says, “As more Koreans register as voters, the mainstream political sphere will seek out and assist the Korean community. Just receiving attention from the mainstream political sphere will demonstrate the political advancement of the Korean community.”

With candidate Jun running, the mainstream political sphere’s interest in the Korean community is also increasing. When candidate Jun ran for Coppell City Council in 2020, he was an independent. Despite this, he entered the Coppell City Council by winning about 10,000 votes out of 20,000 local voters. Since then, after becoming a candidate for the 115th District House of Representatives through the Republican Party’s strategic nomination, the Republican leadership and others within the party are paying more attention to the Korean community.

John Jun said, “The fact that candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties have emerged from the Korean community in North Texas shows increased interest in the community,” adding, “The Asian community has been growing rapidly, but it has not been easy to receive attention from the political world. However, with the emergence of Korean candidates, there is a desire to have closer relations with the Korean community within the mainstream political sphere, including the Republican Party’s Dallas district.”

The Power of Grassroots Support and John Jun’s Unique Competitiveness

Koreans who support and endorse candidate John Jun are participating in small donations. Candidate Jun says, “Compared to the opponent, the support fund is insufficient, but the power of Koreans who donate small amounts of $20 each is greater than the large donations received from large corporations by the opponent,” noting that small donations from the Korean community alone have reached $40,000.

Given that donors who contribute to the campaign are more likely to go to the polls, the political efficacy of grassroots support is far superior to that of large corporate donations. Candidate Jun is well aware of this sentiment among Koreans.

Jun states, “Having worked for the development of the Korean community for over 24 years and deciding to run to work for the next generation, I am encouraged by those who support and strengthen me through small donations with one heart.”

Having lived in Coppell for 24 years and served the 115th District for 24 years, Jun’s competitiveness lies in his “sincerity.” The opponent changed districts for the election. Jun believes, “Many people in the 115th District, including Coppell, know the work I have done and my administrative capabilities, which puts me at an advantage over the opponent.” The Republican leadership also believes that the 115th District can be reclaimed due to Jun’s administrative capabilities and close relations with residents shown in the local community.

“Why I Decided to Run”

Before running for the House of Representatives, Jun asked himself why he was running. The decision to go to college and become a lawyer was to live a life that positively impacts someone.

Jun asks himself, “What is the difference between when I first decided to volunteer and now?” In the past, he had no property and no good job, yet his desire to volunteer was strong. He still has the same mindset. The effort to live a life that positively impacts someone remains unchanged, even if the physical form has changed.

Although not economically affluent, John Jun, supported and encouraged by his wife, began working for the next generation. He states, “Even if the results are not good, challenging for the House of Representatives is to pave a new way for the next generation,” and plans to sprint towards victory until the end.

“Upgrading the Status of the Korean Community if Elected”

As the first Korean-American House of Representatives member, John Jun wants to find ways to help Korean-American entrepreneurs. For over 24 years, he has volunteered in various ways for the development of the Korean community. Through networks with various organizations, including the Korean American Coalition and the Korean Association, and through dedication to the Korean community, Jun has been working for the community.

The Korean community in North Texas has established an important position in the local community and successfully raised the next generation. Jun says, “Now is the time to strengthen our political power through active political engagement and voter participation.”

Jun believes that if the success of Korean entrepreneurs is backed by political power, the Korean community will have an undeniable influence in mainstream society. During his administrative experience as the Deputy Mayor of Coppell, Jun realized the importance of networks with the political sphere for Korean entrepreneurs doing business.

Jun is determined to find practical ways to help Korean entrepreneurs from the legislative level and implement them. He pledges to work on issues beneficial to the Korean community in various fields, including Texas-related issues and Korean community issues, stating, “I will focus on upgrading the status of the Korean community based on my experience in Coppell City Council in areas such as education and economic development.”

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