Kim, of Bordentown Township, was one of 32 Democrats who voted against Pelosi’s nomination during a Democratic caucus meeting held in late November. At the time, he said he decided not to support her nomination because he didn’t believe it was best for all of the people of Ocean and Burlington counties and that he would urge leaders to “find ways to lift more voices.”
The 3rd Congressional District’s new Democratic Rep. Andy Kim's first official action during the new Congress was to vote with the majority of his party in favor of Nancy Pelosi’s return to the House Speaker post, reversing his earlier position that new leadership was needed.
Kim, of Bordentown Township, was one of 32 Democrats who voted against Pelosi’s nomination during a Democratic caucus meeting held in late November. At the time, he said he decided not to support her nomination because he didn’t believe it was best for all of the people of Ocean and Burlington counties and that he would urge leaders to “find ways to lift more voices.”
Pelosi was elected speaker, receiving 220 votes total, two more than the minimum needed to return her to the leadership post.
In an interview, Kim said he remained true to his mantra that he would make decisions and vote based on the best interests of his constituents. He said the feedback he has received was that government needs to function again.
"As I've talked to people across the district, the feedback I heard was that we need to move forward and get the government back open," he said.
Kim is also actively seeking a spot on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees defense spending and policy. He has said obtaining that assignment would better position him to advocate for new missions for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey's second-largest employer.
"No word yet, but I'm still pushing hard to get on Armed Services," he said. "I want to follow through in that tradition of (former Congressman) Jim Saxton and look out for that base and those serving there."
Republican Kevin McCarthy was the only other nominee for the Speaker, although some members voted for others during the roll call.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, the new Democratic congressman for New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional, voted “no” and then “present.” Like Kim, he had sided against Pelosi’s nomination during the post-election caucus meeting.
Both Democrats took their oath of office this afternoon as the 116th Congress kicks off during what’s expected to be an eventful first day that should also include a House vote on legislation to end the partial federal government shutdown.
Kim, who grew up in Evesham, will be the first Asian American from New Jersey to serve in Congress. The former national security advisor in the Barack Obama White House, unseated Republican incumbent Tom MacArthur during the November election to become only the second Democrat in the last two decades to hold the seat, which represents most of Burlington County and a large swath of neighboring Ocean County.
During his campaign, he promised to hold an open town hall meeting every month, protect health care and find ways to reduce prescription drug costs, refuse campaign contributions from corporation PACs and to press for campaign finance reform. He also pledged to refuse a salary during a government shutdown.