Young Kim redirects Chinese donor's money amid FBI foreign-influence probe
Rep. Young Kim’s campaign will give $5,200 received from media owner James Su to anti-human-trafficking groups after FBI searches linked to a foreign-influence investigation.
James Su, who runs a major Chinese-language media outlet in the United States, gave Rep. Young Kim $2,700 in 2018 and $2,500 in 2021, according to Federal Election Commission filings. After FBI agents searched Su’s Southern California residence and office as part of a foreign-influence probe, Kim’s campaign announced it would donate the $5,200 to charities that support victims of human trafficking and prostitution. Campaign spokesperson Chris Pack said the money was received years ago and the campaign was unaware of the current allegations.
The controversy has intensified the intra-party contest between Kim and Rep. Ken Calvert, who has criticized Kim for accepting money from a registered foreign agent. Both incumbents now vie for the Republican nomination in the newly drawn 40th Congressional District after redistricting forced them into a head-to-head race.
Why it matters
The donation raises questions about foreign influence in U.S. elections and could affect a key Republican primary.
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