Michelle Kang

Michelle Kang was born in Incheon, South Korea. Kang earned a graduate degree from the University of Georgia in 2009. Her career experience includes working as an organizer.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a first-generation Korean American immigrant who came to Georgia in 1992, my journey has shaped my commitment to public service. I previously worked as an Intellectual Property Paralegal at one of the largest law firms in Seoul, South Korea. However, upon arriving in the U.S., I became a cashier at a dry cleaner due to a lack of information and access to desired employment. I soon realized that many immigrants faced similar challenges in adjusting to life in America and becoming competent citizens.

Recognizing the significant impact of public programs and policies on the lives of immigrants, minorities and people of color, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Georgia at the age of 41, when my third daughter was attending Pre-K. After completing the program, I began working at the Asian American Resource Center as the Center Manager, where I operated the HUD Housing program and provided case management.

In 2022, I joined Senator Raphael Warnock’s Re-election Campaign, organizing rallies and events to mobilize Georgians and Get Out The Vote. Through this work, I had ample opportunities to speak with and hear from Georgians, and ran the first closest state race in Georgia by a challenger, with a margin of just 621 votes. Inspired by these experiences and as a mother of three daughters in their 20s, I am committed to addressing issues like affordable housing and livable wages, which are crucial for a future of human dignity.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Universal childcare is central to the affordability of life in Georgia. Costs now are around $800 per month per child if you are lucky. People shouldn’t have to go broke to take care of their kids. We need to build on the state’s free Pre-K program and make sure all kids under 6 can receive care every day of the year, that they get quality meals at daycare, and that we get rid of the burden of childcare for every single Georgian. This expansion will give living wages to childcare workers and put money and time back into the pockets of parents across Georgia, which they can contribute to the local economy. The state can help us, and I will use my platform as your representative to do that by supporting universal childcare for all.Lower taxes on families earning $100,000 or less would be a huge relief for already stressed and burnt out people across the state. We deserve better policies that build us up as people, and we can only do that when we can afford to live. The state budget should expand to support working families instead of leaving us out to dry. I support higher taxes on the richest 1% of Georgians (individuals earning over $586,000 per year as of 2023) to pay for the society we all deserve to benefit from. We deserve better schools. We deserve quality and affordable healthcare. We deserve less red tape on small businesses to open that bakery, or that salon, or that coffee shop we’ve dreamed of. We deserve to afford to live here, not just the rich.Lowering housing costs for renters and homeowners alike is central to the affordability conversation. I hear of countless kids giving up on the dream of affording a home. People shouldn’t have to face two hour traffic each way just to afford a mortgage or rent. I want to use my powers as your representative so that those who want to can build ADUs on their property by right, rein in the powers of corporations to buy homes, and define the state’s existing habitability standard to include mold-free, pest-free, insulated housing with HVAC, for each unit. Not only that, but utilities too. We should create a solar rebate program so people can lower their power bills. We must lower the housing cost burden on working families across Georgia.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

No Georgian should have to decide between a medical bill and their power bill. With a cost squeeze from all sides, it is more important than ever that Georgians have someone who fights for them like their own. As your representative, I will make sure the state provides certain basic protections for patients and providers alike. The cost burdens working families like my own face from medical bills are keeping us from doing what would improve our society, like sending our kids to school with full stomachs, opening our own businesses, and building a life we are proud to say we have built. I will expand Medicaid, rein in health insurance companies, and use my power as your representative to get quality, affordable healthcare for all.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Organizations: Next Gen Politics - Georgia, Way to Lead

Community leaders: Tyler Lee, Shelia Edwards, Danielle Tuwano, Austin Heller, Pastor Avery Heard, Former Rep. Pedro Marin, Rep. Karen Lupton, Senator Sally Harrell, Conyers Councilman Anthony Pacheco, Former Lawrenceville Councilman Austin Thompson, Norcross Mayor Craig Newton, Brookhaven Mayor John Park, Gwinnett Tax Commissioner Denise Mitchell

Above have all endorsed me at the time of this survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I earned a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Georgia in 2009. Since then, I've dedicated my career to nonprofit organizations, where I've focused on assisting immigrant families in securing housing, enhancing language access and eqyity, and creating spaces for voiceless and underserved community members to participate. I've leveraged my expertise to aid Gwinnett County in developing public programs and services centered around economic redevelopment, public transit, and budgeting.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Restore Reproductive Freedom: Women's right to make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctors should be protected from political interference. When reproductive freedom is undermined, it jeopardizes our fundamental human rights. I am running for office to champion the restoration of reproductive freedom and advocate for legislation to repeal Georgia's current abortion ban.Economic Mobility: I am committed to supporting small businesses by addressing workforce shortages, ensuring fair government project procurement, and enhancing access to capital and training opportunities. Furthermore, I aim to improve public transit access to increase mobility and connectivity, thereby alleviating workforce shortages that impact local businesses. Additionally, I advocate for expanding vocational programs to equip adults with sustainable job skills tailored for the AI era.Lower Housing Costs: I am committed to ensuring that future generations can access affordable and secure housing. It is also crucial for our teachers, police officers, and public servants to reside near their workplaces. Housing security promotes financial stability, and no hardworking family should fear housing instability. With Gwinnett County's population projected to increase significantly by 2050, I will advocate for policies to expand access to affordable housing options and address housing affordability challenges.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about attainable and affordable housing, as well as transportation and transit policy.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at a post office sorting mails by zip codes by hand. I held this job during my first year in college.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The story that deeply resonated with me and motivated me to advocate for attainable and affordable housing was hearing about police officers and teachers having to commute more than two hours to get to their workplaces. This highlighted the urgent need for accessible housing options in our community, as well as the impact it has on essential workers who play vital roles in our society. It reinforced my commitment to address housing affordability issues and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in safe, affordable homes within reasonable proximity to their workplaces.

I am hearing from working families in our district who are struggling with the high housing costs. Many shared their challenges of paying exorbitant rents, which often exceed what they would pay for a mortgage. Despite their hard work, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of renting with little hope of homeownership due to insufficient income to qualify for a mortgage. This highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in our community and reinforced my commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Organizations: GA WIN List, Working Families Party,

The First Ask

Individuals:

GA Senators Sheikh Rahman, Nabilah Islam, Nikki Merritt

GA House Representatives Pedro Marin, Gabe Okoye

Formal elected officials Curt Thompson, William Boddie

Formal HD99 Democratic Candidate Om Duggal