By Randall Yip, Executive Editor
Justin Hwang and Tommy Choi have clear visions of what they think Republicans should focus on in the upcoming November election.
For Hwang, he sees inflation, immigration, abortion, homelessness and taxes as key issues.
For Choi its lower taxes, public safety, quality schools and limited government interference.
Both will serve as delegates beginning Monday at the 2024 GOP Convention in Milwaukee where Donald Trump will officially be declared the party nominee for president.
Hwang is director of the Oregon GOP. Choi is Deputy Executive Director of the Illinois Republican Party.
“We have highest property tax in country, high sales tax,” said Choi about his home state of Illinois. “Our state just passed one of the largest state budgets in history. We’re just continuing to spend, spend, spend. Families are really struggling now with inflation, high cost of living, high prices, grocery bills and gas costs.”
The Asian American Voter Survey released just this week of 2479 Asian American voters found more identify as independent, 31%, than Republicans, 22%. 42% identify as Democrats.
However, inflation appears to be a winning issue for Republicans and one they are prepared to emphasize.
The Asian American Voter Survey found 33% vs 28% chose Republicans as doing a better job on bringing down inflation than Democrats.
They also see immigration as a winning issue with 35% believing Republicans outperforming Democrats, 33%, on this issue.
“I’m an immigrant,” said Hwang to AsAmNews. “I was able to obtain citizenship at 18. They’re folks waiting years and years under the Biden administration. I’m hoping after our president gets elected, we hope it expedites the process.”
The Republican Party remains staunchly against abortion, but don’t expect to hear much about that in the coming months from Trump.
“Abortion, for my personal take, will not be a winning ticket for Republicans. In Oregon, it has always been a Democrat agenda, not a Republican agenda. As a Republican in Oregon, we are against abortion. It’s not going to be our top platform,” Hwang said to AsAmNews.
Choi blames Democratic progressive policies for the rise of anti-Asian hate. He also acknowledged, after being asked several times by AsAmNews, that words do matter.
“Moving forward I would like our leaders to be more mindful of the words they choose. The things they say can impact families. I do believe the former president will use a better choice of words. He will be focused on helping families thrive, securing border, projecting strength at home and abroad.”
Trump is scheduled to give his acceptance speech on Wednesday. His choice for Vice President is also expected to be announced at the convention. The convention runs Monday through Thursday.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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