‘Korean Son-in-Law’ Runs for the U.S. Senate… Korean-American Business Leaders Invite Larry Hogan

Fmr. Governor Larry Hogan Leads the Race for Maryland’s U.S. Senate Seat

Fundraising Held Event at a Korean Restaurant… Yumi Hogan Also Attended

From Left: Lee Jong-hwa, Kwon Il-yeon, Larry Hogan, Yumi Hogan, and Jay Kim

A fundraising event was held at a Korean restaurant in Hanover for former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who is running as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maryland in the upcoming November election.

Larry Hogan, often referred to as the ‘Korean son-in-law,’ and his wife, Yumi Hogan, were invited by prominent Korean-American business leaders including Kwon Il-yeon, founder of H Mart, Jay Kim, founder of the largest U.S. college prep franchise C2 Education, and Lee Jong-hwa, the first president of the Sejong Scholarship Foundation in the U.S.

During the event, Hogan expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Korean community held the first-ever fundraiser for me when I was a political newcomer in 2014. The support from small business owners who contributed $200 to $300 each played a crucial role in my dramatic election as governor.”

He continued, “The people here have consistently shown love and support for my wife and me since then. I understand the value you place on the Korean-American community and U.S.-Korea friendship, and I promise to carry out good work in the Senate.”

Yumi Hogan added, “The Korean community’s support and encouragement have been indispensable throughout my husband’s political journey, including his re-election as governor. We will not forget the hearts of the supporters who care deeply about their homeland and the next generation.”

Jay Kim emphasized, “Governor Hogan has made significant efforts for the Korean community, including promoting exchanges with Korea and establishing Koreatown in Maryland. Continuous interest from the Korean community is essential for him to realize even greater ambitions beyond the Senate.”

Although he could not attend the event, Jason Yoo, chairman of JDDA Group, which operates the only Korean-owned airport concession franchise in the U.S., also expressed his support for Hogan.

Larry Hogan, a Republican who served as Maryland’s governor from 2014 to 2023 in the predominantly Democratic ‘Blue State,’ is leading the polls against potential Democratic candidates for the upcoming U.S. Senate election in November.

With the retirement of incumbent Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, Democratic candidates David Trone, a U.S. House Representative, and Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, are competing in the primary. According to a recent Washington Post poll of 1,292 Maryland voters, Hogan leads Trone by 49% to 37% and Alsobrooks by 50% to 36%, indicating a strong chance of winning.

by Paul S. Lee