BY VEENA RAO
Atlanta, GA, October 24, 2024: Michelle Kang, a Korean American immigrant and long-time Gwinnett County resident who currently resides in Suwanee, is running for the Georgia House of Representatives in District 99. The district includes parts of Suwanee, Duluth, and Sugar Hill. With over 30 years in Georgia and experience running small businesses in the area, Kang says she is focused on addressing issues such as gun safety, affordable healthcare, and economic mobility. She has been endorsed, among others, by Georgia Majority for Gun Safety, They See Blue, and Desis for Democracy. In this interview, Kang discusses her campaign and priorities for the district.4o
Why are you reaching out to the Indian American community?
The Desi community is a growing force in metro Atlanta, particularly with a progressive agenda. I worked with They See Blue and Desis for Democracy during Senator Warnock’s 2022 campaign, and I saw firsthand how powerful the South Asian community is. I want to build personal relationships within this community so I can bring their concerns to the House. In District 99, especially in Suwanee, Duluth, and Sugar Hill, there is a large Desi population, and their concerns are important to me.
Now that I am running for office, both They See Blue and Desis for Democracy have endorsed me, which is exciting. The desi vote can help elect progressive candidates like me, Ashwin Ramaswami, and Michelle Au so that we can pass important legislation like Medicaid expansion and common-sense gun safety laws.
You’ve been endorsed by the Georgia Majority for Gun Safety. How important is gun safety in your campaign?
I am a strong advocate of gun safety. The Georgia Majority for Gun Safety has endorsed me, and put up over 200 yard signs and a billboard near Divine Coffee in Suwanee for my campaign. People living in this district are very concerned about gun safety, especially after the Apalachee High School shooting that happened just 28 miles from where I live. That incident brought home the reality that gun violence can happen anywhere. Parents in my district are deeply concerned about their children’s safety, especially with schools now talking about intruder drills, clear backpacks, and metal detectors. The urgency to act is undeniable.
I’m advocating for the Safe Storage Bill, which we were just one vote short of passing in the last session. This bill would ensure that guns are stored securely to prevent accidents or unauthorized use. The students, especially after that school shooting, have mobilized and are demanding change—they’re literally imploring us to pass this bill for their safety. My vote could make a difference in getting it passed in the next session.
Why did you decide to run for office, and what makes you the right candidate for District 99?
I’ve lived in Georgia since 1992, and I’ve run small businesses and raised my three daughters here. My district is incredibly diverse, and there has been a vast demographic change, even after the mid-term elections. I’m running to represent everyone in District 99. I want to advocate for economic mobility, healthcare access, women’s rights, and lowering housing costs.
How do you plan to address public transportation issues in your district?
As a community advocate, I have worked closely with Gwinnett County’s Department of Transportation to enhance access to public transit to increase mobility and connectivity to alleviate workforce shortages affecting businesses in our district.
There are seniors who are stuck at home because they don’t drive. They need to get to the doctor’s office, the park, or grocery stores, but who will give them a ride? They need more mobility and connectivity. The same goes for students trying to reach college campuses. Even people living paycheck to paycheck—if they get a flat tire, how will they get to work? We need to expand transit, even if it’s just bus services within the county. That’s why I’m advocating for the transit referendum. It is for people to decide—yes or no.
What are your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities are economic mobility, expanding transit, women’s rights, and lowering housing costs. I also support Medicaid expansion because it would benefit hundreds of thousands of people in Georgia who currently can’t afford healthcare. Living costs are rising, and many families are struggling to keep up with basic needs like medical care. We have the power to pass a bill that would help these families, and I am committed to making that happen.
What message do you have for your constituents?
I want to encourage everyone, especially South Asian voters and progressive allies, to get out and vote early. This election is important, and we need to elect representatives who will fight for issues like gun safety, healthcare access, and public transportation. Don’t wait until November 5—make your voice heard early! Together, we can make a real difference in Georgia’s future.
