SENATOR STEPHEN T. CHAN
NYS SENATE DISTRICT 17
Personal History
I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to the United States at the age of 11 with my family. I was fortunate to settle in the beautiful neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, surrounded by Scandinavian and Irish cultures, great neighbors, and wonderful friends. I started working at various jobs at a young age, working in a sweatshop, a plastic factory, dish washer, etc, all before I graduated high school. I’ve been a resident of Brooklyn NY for 47 years. 32 of which is in Bensonhurst where I intimately embrace my friends and neighbors from all corners of the world.
Military History
I love America. I proudly served as a US Marine for six years. Upon returning from the service, I moved to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in 1992 and embraced this ever-changing community.
New York Police Department (NYPD) History
I joined the NYPD in 1993. I fought crime for 27 years, retiring as a Sergeant in 2020. Along the way, I established many friendships with a diverse array of people and learned much about different cultures and communities.
Business Owner
While serving in the NYPD, I owned and operated a small retail florist in Sunset Park for 10 years. Being a Notary, I often provided notary services to our neighbors free of charge.
Education
PS 102 Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
JHS 259 William McKinley
Fort Hamilton High School
SUNY Empire State College
Family & The American Dream/ Public schools service
I am married with two daughters (9 and 14). They both attend public school; the older one earned her way into Staten Island Technical High School through her own habit and merit. The younger one attends PS 112 in Dyker Heights in the Italian Program, which I am partly responsible for helping to create. I continue public service by working with the schools as an SLT Parent, Title 1 Chairperson, and PTA president. Through hard work, dedication, and persistence, I have provided my family with honor and respect for the United States of America and the pursuit of the American Dream. I am a homeowner and I believe in working to make our community a better place for everyone.
My children are not “privileged”, but they excel in school. I taught my children to always take personal responsibility for their future and not let anyone or anything slow them down. In America, with hard work and respect, you can achieve your dreams. For my family, we are blessed to be part of the American Dream and this great Nation.
Goal
I want to help preserve the good values of our community, our city, and our state. I fought crime in the streets, now I want to fight crime from Albany. I want our children to do well in schools without bias and bureaucracy. I want to stop wasteful spending of our tax dollars, so that our hard-working families can live, work, and conduct business easier and seamlessly. We can thrive together as a community, now let's protect it.