Listen Live
Donate
 on air
Schedule

KCRW

Read & Explore

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Events

Listen

  • Live Radio
  • Music
  • Podcasts
  • Full Schedule

Information

  • About
  • Careers
  • Help / FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

Support

  • Become a Member
  • Become a VIP
  • Ways to Give
  • Shop
  • Member Perks

Become a Member

Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

DonateGive Monthly

Copyright 2025 KCRW. All rights reserved.

Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
Cookie Policy
|FCC Public Files

Back to Orange County Line

Orange County Line

Is the Little Saigon Political Machine Fraying?

Rivalry between OC Supervisor Andrew Do and State Senator Janet Nguyen hints at end of political dynasty.

  • rss
Download MP3
  • Share
By Gustavo Arellano • Oct 9, 2018 • 4m Listen

For nearly a decade, Vietnamese-American Republican candidates have dominated the state senate, assembly, and supervisor seats that encompass Little Saigon, the largest Vietnamese enclave in the United States. Kingmakers have created an assembly line of candidates in that time, but that succession might be frayed this year. In the 72nd Assembly District, Westminster Councilmember Tyler Diep faces a tough opponent in Josh Lowenthal, scion of the Long Beach political dynasty. In the 34th State Senate District, Janet Nguyen faces off against former assemblymember Tom Umberg. And while Supervisor Andrew Do isn't up for reelection this year, his attacks on Nguyen have drawn complaints going all the way to OC GOP Chairman Fred Whitaker. Is the Little Saigon dynasty over?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Gustavo Arellano

    columnist, LA Times

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Benjamin Gottlieb

    Reporter, Fill-in Host

    CultureNewsOrange County
Back to Orange County Line