Why Tong’s win matters

As a newcomer to Connecticut from California, I had preconceptions about the social, cultural and racial milieu of the state in 2005. I knew that its population was predominantly Caucasian and that it had a history for being a Blue State.

Soon, I was able to meet the locals and realized that there were not very many Asian faces in the community. In fact, the Census data for 2005 for Connecticut indicated Asians comprised 4.1 percent of the state population and 2.4 percent of Fairfield County’s population.

During the 2006 election cycle, I had a chance to meet William Tong. He was a stranger and I knew nothing of his personal background. He informed me that he was a candidate for the Connecticut State Assembly, representing Stamford and New Canaan.

My first reaction was “there is no way this Asian American guy is going to win an election in Connecticut.” In fact, I told him so.

He smiled and offered me a countenance of confidence and self-worth. A few months later, he defeated a multi-term incumbent to begin his six-term career in the State Assembly.

William is a proud American. He understands his family history. How his parents emigrated to the United States to pursue the American dream of being a homeowner and businesspersons. He grew up experiencing personal hardships and labeled inaccurately that he was a privileged Asian American as a member of American society’s “model minority.” Yet, he persevered and earned acceptance to Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School, and soon embarked on his journey to serve his profession, community, state and country.

On Nov. 7, 2018, William was officially elected the State Attorney General of the State of Connecticut, becoming the first Asian American to hold a statewide office in the Nutmeg State.

One may look at this achievement and observe that William is an example of the Horatio Alger template — work hard and you will succeed.

Unfortunately, for Asian Americans it has always been an uphill struggle to demonstrate that it is possible to be a “leader” and not just a good “follower” — a stereotype that has been stamped on Asian Americans from the days of Chinese Exclusion Act.

In addition, the “bamboo ceiling” has impeded the upward mobility of many Asian Americans. William has made an imprint in the soil for Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups in the political arena by achieving his successful campaign based upon his legislative experience and meritorious performance. It will be a new challenge. He will serve with pride and honor as the State Attorney General.

I am pleased that I have witnessed an historic moment in the State of Connecticut and that I can state notably that Tong’s win does matter.