In 2022, Iwen Chu became the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the State Senate, in a new district created to provide representation for the growing Asian-American community in southern Brooklyn. Chu, who immigrated to New York at age 27 from Taiwan, previously served as Chief of Staff to former Assembly Member Peter Abbate. In the legislature, Chu serves as Chair of the Committee on Libraries. At least three of the bills were made into law in her first term. She says she’s proud of her work to secure millions of dollars for public schools in her district and fight hate crimes, among other things. Chu’s campaign lists education, public safety, street safety, and supporting new families as some of her top issues. Citizens Union endorsed Chu in 2022. She supported all CU’s policy goals on that candidate questionnaire. 

Stephen Chan, a former NYPD officer and US Marine, is running to represent this district in the State Senate. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Chan immigrated to the US with his family at age 11. After finishing college, he joined the U.S. Marines and served there for six years. He then moved to Bensonhurst and joined the NYPD, retiring as a sergeant after 27 years in the police force. Since retirement, he has served as PTA President in his children’s schools and volunteered in other parental associations. Chan’s current platform is focused on public safety, dismantling bail reform, defunding homeless shelters, and immigration.