2026 Congressional Candidates
Daniel Koh
Massachusetts's 6th District
Born and raised in Andover, Dan stands on the shoulders of his remarkable immigrant family from Korea and Lebanon, who were welcomed by the community he is running to represent. Dan has dedicated his life to public service and making government deliver for working families.
Dan Koh is running for Congress because Donald Trump is trampling our constitution and American way of life, and we need leaders fighting back to defend our Democracy, protect our rights, reduce the cost of living, and stand up for families and communities like ours.
Learn more at https://www.kohforcongress.com/
Julie Won
New York's 7th District
Council Member Julie Won is the first woman and first immigrant to represent District 26, and the first Korean-American Council Member in the city's history. Julie is a mother of two toddlers and also provides for her aging parents. Julie understands what multigenerational families across our City are going through — and she's spent her career fighting to make their lives better.
Julie has worked closely with parents, teachers, and administrators in every public school in her district and secured over $100 million for education. When her district became home to more asylum seekers than any other in New York City — over 15,000 people — she didn't look away. She hosted welcome dinners, organized resource fairs, and introduced legislation to shield migrant shelter addresses from those who would target them.
Today, Julie is running for Congress to fight for a Lifetime of Care — because she believes your country should have your back from the moment you're born until the day you retire. She's fighting for universal paid leave, affordable childcare, healthcare for all, and a care economy that values the workers who hold our families together and make all other work possible.
Learn more at https://www.juliewon.com/
Esther Kim Varet
California's 40th District
Esther Kim Varet is an entrepreneur, art dealer, and political candidate whose life and work have been shaped by resilience, ambition, and a deep belief in opportunity. The daughter of Korean immigrants who fled communist oppression during the Korean War, she grew up with a strong awareness of sacrifice and perseverance. Her grandmother, who helped raise her, survived as a single mother in South Korea, supporting her family by selling rice and repairing umbrellas, while her parents arrived in the United States with little more than determination and a willingness to start over.
As a working mother and business owner, her campaign is an extension of her lifelong focus on problem-solving and community-building. She is focused on economic opportunity, educational investment, environmental stewardship, and reproductive rights, and committed to independence from corporate political funding.
Learn more at https://www.estherkimvaret.com/
2026 Statewide Candidates
Cyndi Munson
For Governor of Oklahoma
The daughter of a Vietnam War Veteran and a South Korean immigrant, Cyndi Munson grew up in Lawton, OK. Cyndi and her younger sister were raised by their single father, who worked multiple jobs while serving in the U.S. Army. Cyndi spent over a decade working in the non-profit community, providing leadership programs for thousands of girls in low-income schools, juvenile detention centers, and public housing and working to improve children’s lives through shared reading with their incarcerated parents. Elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in September of 2015, Cyndi became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. As the Minority Leader she led the bipartisan effort to repeal the state sales tax on groceries, fought for increased funding for public schools, stood up to insurance companies, and more. Cyndi has fought against the most extreme measures in the Legislature, such as the strictest abortion ban in the country, attacks on trans kids, mandating the teaching of Bibles in public schools, and attacks on tribal sovereignty.
Learn more at https://www.cyndimunson.com/
Francesca Hong
For Governor of Wisconsin
Francesca Hong is a mom, service worker, chef, and community organizer.
The daughter of immigrants and a proud Madisonian, a Democratic state representative and democratic socialist. She built her life from the dish pit to the State Legislature—always fighting for working families like hers.
Now she’s running for governor to build a Wisconsin where everyone has a seat at the table.
Learn more at https://francescahong.com/
Holly Kim
For Illinois Comptrollor
Holly Kim currently serves as Lake County Treasurer, where she also fulfills the responsibilities of Comptroller for the third largest county in Illinois. She manages the county’s finances, writes checks, and oversees fiscal accountability. With a record of innovation, transparency, and community-rooted leadership, Holly is running to be Illinois’ next State Comptroller to continue the legacy of Susana Mendoza and continue to bring strong, independent leadership to the office.
As Illinois State Comptroller, Holly will continue the important work of fiscal oversight and transparency. She will enforce prevailing wage laws, modernize financial systems, and ensure that every dollar is tracked with integrity. She believes the office must always remain independent and accountable to the people of Illinois.
Learn more at https://www.voteforhollykim.com/
2024 Endorsements
Candidate Questionnaire
The KAFO Fund team has developed a comprehensive questionnaire for Korean American Democratic candidates to explain their position on important policy issues that effect the American public as a whole, and the Korean American community specifically. These answers help the Executive Team and Board make decisions on endorsements.
Endorsed candidates are profiled on our website and promoted throughout our network. Endorsed candidates are eligible to receive fundraising support and other assistance.
Request a questionnaire at kafofund@gmail.com.