Ling Ling Chang
| Ling Ling Chang | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 55th district | |
|
Assumed office December 1, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Curt Hagman |
| Succeeded by | Phillip Chen |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
June 24, 1976 Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Andrew Wong |
| Residence | Diamond Bar, California |
| Occupation | Politician |
Ling Ling Chang (born July 24, 1976) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. She is a Republican representing the 55th district, encompassing parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. Prior to being elected to the state assembly, she was a Diamond Bar city councilmember. In 2016, Chang is a candidate for California's 29th State Senate district.
Early life and education
Born in Taiwan, Chang and her family emigrated to the United States when she was three years old.[1] She was raised in Diamond Bar and graduated from Diamond Bar High School. She studied biology at UC Riverside but did not graduate.[1][2] She was criticized during her 2014 campaign for claims that she attended Harvard University when she was in fact taking online classes through the university's online extension program, which is open to the general public. Chang defended herself by stating, “You have to apply to get in. It is a degree program. Harvard Extension is part of the 13 schools there, just like Harvard Medical School is also really Harvard”.[3][4] While the Harvard Extension School offers online degrees, it is much different than applying to and going through the rigorous application and matriculation process of Harvard University. [5] Further controversy over her attending UC Riverside was raised in February 2016, by opponent Sukhee Kang, who made a public request for her to release her academic transcripts. [6]
Career
Chang worked at Strategy Insights Group. In 2005, she was elected to the Walnut Valley Water District Board and was then elected twice to the Diamond Bar City Council.[1][7]
California State Assembly
Chang was elected to the California Assembly in the 55th district in 2014 and had five bills signed into law in her first seven months in office.[1] She also proposed unsuccessful bills seeking to cut business regulations.[2]
| California's 55th State Assembly district election, 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary election | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Ling Ling Chang | 13,242 | 28.7 | |
| Democratic | Gregg D. Fritchle | 12,243 | 26.5 | |
| Republican | Phillip Chen | 10,659 | 23.1 | |
| Republican | Steve Tye | 9,987 | 21.6 | |
| Total votes | 46,131 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Ling Ling Chang | 54,313 | 63.7 | |
| Democratic | Gregg D. Fritchle | 30,895 | 36.3 | |
| Total votes | 85,208 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Senate run
Chang is a candidate for California's 29th State Senate district in the 2016 election. She is running against former Irvine mayor Sukhee Kang and veteran Josh Newman to succeed Bob Huff in 2016 due to term limits.
As of October 2016, Chang had raised more than $4 million from business interests including the insurance, oil, and real estate industries.[2] She has made public comments distancing herself from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.[8][9]
Personal life
Chang is married to Andrew Wong, an attorney.[7]
References
- 1 2 3 4 The Editorial Board (October 11, 2016). "Elect Ling Ling Chang to state Senate in 29th District: Endorsement". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Graham, Jordan (October 27, 2016). "Orange County state senate race could decide balance of power in Sacramento". Orange County Register. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- ↑ Scauzillo, Steve (May 27, 2014). "Chang, Chen, Tye and Fritchle battle for two primary spots in 55th Assembly District". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- ↑ Wisckol, Martin (March 28, 2014). "Biographies are scrutinized in 55th state Assembly District race". The Orange County Register. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- ↑ http://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2014/12/04/when-is-a-person-taking-classes-at-harvard-not-considered-a-harvard-student
- ↑ http://www.kangforsenate.com/pr_kang_challenges_chang_to_release_college_transcripts
- 1 2 Scauzillo, Steve (November 4, 2014). "Election 2014: Ling-Ling Chang easily wins seat in state Assembly". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- ↑ Wisckol, Martin (August 19, 2016). "Two local GOP candidates steer clear of Donald Trump". Orange Country Register. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
- ↑ Williams, Lauren (October 9, 2016). "Some California Republicans call for Trump to resign". Orange County Register. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
