For the last eight years, my family has been intertwined with politics.
Paul Leong, my dad, first ran for office in 2017. I don’t remember much of it, but fragments of memories have stuck with me: people filtering in and out of the house, a minivan full of shiny plastic signs, and my mother on the phone at all hours of the day.
Getting my dad elected to the Naperville District 203 school board took a village. Helen Huang, one of my dad’s first campaign team volunteers, recalls how “passion just swept through the community” in support of him. Nobody in the Asian community had political experience; we learned as we stumbled, fueled by determination.
It was by a combination of luck, support, and sheer courage that my dad, Paul Leong, an unknown, first-time candidate, won his first election by just 500 votes.
That in and of itself was an insane accomplishment; winning that 2017 election made Paul Leong the first Chinese American in Naperville to be elected to any office. Four years later, he made history again, winning a seat on the Naperville City Council as one of its first Asian American members.
In retrospect, my dad’s elected position has been a strain on our family at times. I can’t tell you how many times he’s had to choose between his duty as a father and his duty to the city. Nonetheless, he served with distinction in both roles.
Last month, on April 15, Councilman Paul Leong attended his last official city council meeting. Dozens of his longtime supporters were there to express gratitude. My brother and I were there. I have to admit, watching my dad close the chapter on his political career is something that I’ll never forget.
To our volunteers, thank you for your dedication—we couldn’t have done it without you. To my mom and dad, thank you for your service. Enjoy political retirement!
