Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, was elected to the US Senate on Tuesday, making him the first Korean American in the Senate. At age 42, Kim will also become one of the youngest members of the Senate once he gets sworn into office later this month.

Kim was initially against Democrat Tammy Murphy in the intra-party race, a candidate with backing from the country’s political leaders. Murphy was well-connected in the political sphere, making her a formidable opponent. However, Kim could stand against her by exposing the bias toward Murphy. She dropped out from the race in late March.

Undeterred by the aggression between the two parties in the primary election, the race between Andy and his Republican opponent Curtis Bashaw was noted for its civility. For example, Bashaw defended his opponent when politicians began to question Kim’s cultural background. 

“I have some serious policy disagreements [with Mr. Kim],” Mr. Bashaw said on X. “But he is still a good man and a patriotic American who has dedicated much of his life to public service.”

When Bashaw became lightheaded during a debate, Kim was the first to steady him on the lectern. Despite their differences in policies, they showed mutual respect. 

“There has been growing concern for years among Americans that a lack of civil discourse is a major problem,” James Kowalski, Social Studies teacher, said. “Rather than feeding into the polarization that further exacerbates it, politicians need to lead by example.  If the candidates in the New Jersey race and elsewhere show that Americans with different views can disagree respectfully, it may set in motion a trend for other states to follow.”

With New Jersey being involved in scandals regarding Senator Robert Menendez, many look up to Andy Kim, hoping that he will appeal to all the interests of the state, regardless of the hostility within the nation.