Michelle Kang, Georgia House Candidate, Denounces “Excessive Negative Campaigning”

Pro-GOP Group Claims $90,000 in Unpaid Taxes, Contract Breach

Kang Responds: “Matt Reeves Leading the Smear Campaign… I’ve Been Thoroughly Vetted”

Michelle Kang, a Democratic candidate running for Georgia’s 99th District in the State House of Representatives, has found herself at the center of controversy after allegations surfaced accusing her of owing a substantial amount in unpaid taxes and breaching civil contracts. Kang is aiming to become the second Korean American woman to hold a seat in the Georgia House.

A pro-Republican political fundraising group, “A Strong Georgia,” recently sent out text messages to local voters alleging that Kang’s former business had a tax lien of nearly $90,000. The messages further claimed that Kang “still hasn’t paid the debt” while actively fundraising for her campaign.

The messages went on to say that Kang’s business had breached a contract, implying that she is financially irresponsible and unfit for the State House.

Matt Reeves, Kang’s Republican opponent in the same district, provided a 2007 court ruling as evidence to the claims. According to the ruling, Kum Corporation, a business located in Lawrenceville and formerly operated by Kang, was ordered by the court to pay the Georgia Department of Revenue approximately $65,155 in taxes, along with an additional $24,854. The ruling granted the state authority to collect the unpaid taxes.

In a statement to this paper, Kang dismissed the allegations as typical of Matt Reeves. “Matt Reeves has long been known for his negative campaigning and personal attacks, so I am choosing to ignore it,” Kang said. However, she added, “If this smear campaign continues, I am prepared to respond.”

When this publication presented the court ruling provided by Reeves, Kang did not offer specific comments about the document. However, in an interview with the Atlanta Korea Times, Kang emphasized her credibility, saying, “I’ve lived in the U.S. for 32 years, and I have a credit score of 840. If I had such financial issues, I wouldn’t have passed the Democratic Party’s strict vetting process.” Regarding the court ruling, Kang stated that it was related to an issue from 2007 that “has nothing to do with me,” and that she has all the necessary documents to prove her case.

Kang reaffirmed her commitment to her campaign, saying, “I will run this race confidently to ensure that the diverse residents of District 99, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or language, benefit equally.”