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CONTACT: Soham Pandit, (267) 391-8512, soham@bao2016.com

Bao Nguyen Announces Candidacy for Congress in CA-46

Garden Grove Mayor running to replace Loretta Sanchez

SANTA ANA, CA – Bao Nguyen today announced his candidacy for Congress in California’s 46th district. Bao, whose family emigrated from Vietnam, has devoted his career to the citizens of the district, serving as a teacher, running for school board and most recently, serving as the Mayor of Garden Grove.
“I’m excited to announce that I will be running for Congress in the place I have always called home. I can’t wait to take my passion, and the passions of so many others around me, to bring reform to Washington, D.C,” said Mayor Bao Nguyen on Tuesday.

Born in a Thailand refugee camp, Bao and his family arrived to the United States when he was only three months of age. His parents emigrated to the U.S. to ensure that their children would be provided with the opportunities that they otherwise would not have been given in Vietnam.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I have no patience when I see something wrong, or when something needs to be fixed. And everyone I talk to says that Washington is badly broken. Now it’s time to start the hard work of reforming Washington,” said Mayor Nguyen.

Bao – who speaks English, Spanish and Vietnamese – was elected as the first Vietnamese American Mayor of Garden Grove in 2014. Prior to his election, he served, by appointment in 2011, then by election in 2012, as trustee of the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education, including a term as Vice-President. In 2014, Mayor Nguyen was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Orange County Fair Board of Directors, California 32nd District Agricultural Association.

“The people want immigration reform, but it doesn’t happen. The people want to protect women’s health care, but it’s attacked at every turn. The people want better schools, that lead to better jobs, and a better life for all, but all too often, it doesn’t happen,” said Mayor Nguyen. “The people want an economy that works for the families of this district, not just for the wealthy and the well connected. That’s wrong, and that’s why we have to reform Washington.”

Bao’s roots are in this district. He attended Garden Grove public schools and graduated from Pacifica High School. After receiving a college degree from UC Irvine and a Master’s degree from Naropa University, Bao came back to Garden Grove to teach, before turning to public service. While earning his degree in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, Nguyen interned for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, under Executive Order 13125 in Rockville, Maryland.

“When my parents came to this country, they worked hard and sacrificed everything so that my siblings and I had every opportunity that America had to offer. Because of their sacrifices, I have been able to live the American Dream,” said Mayor Nguyen. “There are lots of stories like mine across this district, and I want to make sure that all kids, no matter who they are or where they are from, have the same opportunities I did. That’s the beauty of our country – anyone can succeed as long as they are given a fair shot at the American Dream.”

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