JUSTIN HWANG REFLECTS ON HIS NARROW SENATE DEFEAT FOR DISTRICT 25

In one of the more competitive local contests recently in East Multnomah County and following the retirement of incumbent state Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, a Democrat, former state Rep. Chris Gorsek (D) edged Justin Hwang (R) in the Nov. 3 election by only about 2,300 votes out of nearly 58,000 votes cast for Anderson’s District 25 seat.

The 52% to 48% result came in a district that encompasses most cities east of Portland including Fairview, Troutdale, Gresham, and Wood Village, and includes the main MHCC campus.

Hwang, an entrepreneur and owner of the Joy Teriyaki and Joy Poke restaurants, expressed an optimistic view of his narrow loss. While falling short of victory, he said, “Our district has 13% more Democrats (registered to vote) and the fact that we were able to overcome 10% (margin of defeat) is a victory to me.”

Indeed, Hwang said he’s undeterred and believes that District 25, despite being an area that has a robust population of Democrats, ultimately remains an area not heavily swayed by partisan politics but instead is looking for something new. “People want to have a change – someone who is a moderate and isn’t a party-line politician,” he said.

Hwang said the narrow result contributes to his belief that he was successful in bringing the campaign message that he wasn’t someone who came from the political world but rather as someone who approached as a community member and business owner. In a time of sharp political polarization, he approached the race in what is a breath of fresh air, coming across as a moderate in times where even the slightest deviation from party beliefs can trigger harsh criticism.

Hwang has been explicit that the primary reason he ran as the Republican candidate is that his beliefs align in economic outlook, being supportive of trying to lower taxes for Oregonians and also believing that there are too many obstacles to open a small business, which only discourages entrepreneurship. In spite of these conservative views, he has not been shy in his liberal opinions, including that there is a problem with police brutality and as an immigrant himself, he is very sympathetic towards DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a federal policy that eases immigration enforcement against undocumented individuals brought into America as children.

In accordance with the majority of Americans, he believes, Hwang also holds opinions that come with a caveat.

He has been openly supportive of the protests following the death of George Floyd and has been supportive of BLM (Black Lives Matter), saying, “As long as the principle in the message is held.” But in alignment with the caveat, Hwang also believes that the message of BLM has been “hijacked” for political gain where it has transformed into an issue between Republicans and Democrats, when its true message was between “the people vs. the government,” he said.

Hwang is currently trying to minimize the problem of dealing with the struggles of managing his business in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and during high political tension, stating in one of his campaign videos that one of his employees was beaten by protesters. He also has countered anonymous accusations that he sought public office only for self-gain and was primarily trying to promote the financial success of his businesses by winning a senate position.

“I have spent more time with my (restaurant) managers than my wife,” he responded. “If I had won the election to become senator, I would have to be more hands-off, and l’m lucky that I trust my managers.. I only have so much time in a day and I am not running for self-benefit.”

Hwang congratulates Gorsek on his victory and said that he wishes him the best of luck. He hopes that in the short term, Gorsek will help address and improve conditions for commercial renters and permanent residents.

While Hwang said he is saddened by his narrow loss, he has shrugged it off, saying, “Sometimes good and bad things happen to you.” Despite suffering a second defeat by Gorsek – Hwang lost the District 49 state House contest in 2018, 51% to 45% – he says he is still determined to help others and that he will still try to be a part of the community. A key part of that is his position on the MHCC Foundation board of directors.

“The MHCC Foundation is one of my top priorities and I am trying to help students get their fair share and good skills to pursue their dreams they have,” he said.

He adds that if another opportunity to run for office comes, he is determined to run again.