Woo becomes first Asian on council
June 4, 1985: Michael Woo, the grandson of a Chinese laundryman, became the first Asian American member of the Los Angeles City Council, defeating Peggy Stevenson in the 13th District.
His victory was “a near landslide,” The Times reported.
“I can’t promise any special favors to Asians. I’m not trying to make special claims for myself as an Asian,” said the 33-year-old former aide to state Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys).
Woo said that he intended to “go on to develop a good record on the City Council that would provide an important role model for young people in the Asian community.”
Woo gave up his council seat to run for mayor in 1993. He was defeated by Richard J. Riordan.
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