Inauguration of New York State Senator Stephen T. Chan

For Immediate Release: Saturday, January 25th, 2025

Brooklyn, NY—Today, surrounded by family, friends, other elected officials, and most importantly, fellow Brooklynites, Senator Stephen Chan was sworn into office. Senator Chan, who won 55% of the vote in South Brooklyn’s 17th Senate District, is the first Asian American Republican to win an election as a State Senator. 

“I am truly blessed and humbled. I want to thank my family first and foremost. I am here because of you. I also want to thank the great people of Brooklyn for putting your trust in me. Like you, I am tired of Albany bureaucrats dictating to us how to live our lives while piling taxes and fees onto us when times are already tough, and passing laws that make our streets the most dangerous they’ve been in decades.  I’m sick of it. We need representatives in Albany who understand what real people need. This Asian American community is no longer a minority. We are a force, and we are going to demand action from Albany on affordability, crime, protecting meritocracy in education and keeping our neighborhoods strong,” declared State Senator Stephen Chan.

The Senator added, “The Asian American community I belong to is no longer a silent minority; we are a united force. Alongside our Italian, Eastern European, Hispanic, Pakistani, Muslim, and all other communities, we stand together as the decisive force in South Brooklyn! We want the same things and strive for the same goals. We will demand action from the State Legislature to address issues of affordability, crime, and the protection of merit-based admissions, to keep our communities strong.”

We are South Brooklyn; We are loud; We Are Strong!

The historic swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, staunch supporter and friend of Senator Chan.

“I was honored to swear Senator Stephen Chan into office this morning and I’m confident that he will do a fantastic job in Albany, particularly when it comes to fighting crime and lowering taxes for his constituents,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said. “As the first Asian American Republican to become a New York State Senator, Senator Chan has inspired a new generation of leaders to pursue public service and I look forward to working with him to secure a brighter future for all.”

Joining the celebration in South Brooklyn were Gerard Kassar, New York State Conservative Party Chairman, Brooklyn Republican Party Chairman Richard Barsamian, and Brooklyn Conservative Party Chair Fran Vella-Marrone.

“As a community resident, a fellow New Yorker and Conservative Party State Chairman, I look upon the election of Steve Chan to the state senate as an historical event that will bring committed conservative values and representation to the people of South Brooklyn. His win broke the Democrats supermajority in the State Legislature, taking away the Majority’s power to override any veto by the Governor, the first step in restoring balance back to Albany.  I look forward to working with Steve over the years to ensure New York is a better place to live, work and raise a family,” stated State Conservative Chairman Kassar.

“Today is an amazing day for our community and our State. Senator Chan has always been a responsible New Yorker and now he will take his desire for public service to the NYS Senate. Brooklyn is very proud of his dedication and deeply appreciates the unity of the Asian American community,” stated Brooklyn Republican Chair Richard Barsamian.

“Steve Chan's election to the NYS Senate is history making. The impact of his election goes beyond the boundaries of the 17th Senate District. The Kings County Conservative Party is proud to have Steve Chan carry the Conservative Party banner and know that he will be a great representative for Brooklyn. I look forward to working with him to improve the lives of all New Yorkers,” stated Brooklyn Conservative Chair Fran Vella-Marrone.

The celebration concluded in grand fashion with a series of impressive cultural performances by My Way Center, Sunflower Dance and Music Center, and the NY Brooklyn Dance Club. The performances were a fitting coda to the celebration of a new day in South Brooklyn — a day its great people will look back upon as a turning point in the story of this great Borough and City. The people made this day possible by electing Senator Chan. Now, his work begins.