Dan Koh won the race for Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District on Tuesday, making him the seventh Korean American ever elected to Congress. The Democrat beat Republican Micah Quinney Jones by a wide margin, taking close to two thirds of the vote in the early count.

Koh, 41, was born to a Korean father and a Lebanese mother. His family traces its roots to Jeju, the island off the southern coast of Korea. His grandfather once worked at the Korean embassy in Washington. He served in the White House as a deputy cabinet secretary and earlier worked as chief of staff to a Boston mayor.

The victory was a comeback of sorts. Koh first ran for Congress in a different Massachusetts district in 2018 and lost a close primary. He spent the years since in public service before trying again in the North Shore seat.

Promises on costs and war

At his victory party in Peabody, Koh said he wants to lower costs, cap utility bills and help bring the war with Iran to an end. He also pledged to protect the environment and push for strong oversight of the federal government.

Other wins for Korean Americans

Rep. Marilyn Strickland won a fourth term in Washington's 10th District with about 64 percent of the vote. Strickland, whose Korean name is Kim Soon-ja, was born to a Korean mother and a father who served in the Korean War. She drew wide attention when she wore a hanbok at her first swearing-in.

In Southern California, Rep. Dave Min declared victory in the 47th District shortly after counting began. In Oklahoma, Cyndi Munson came up short in her bid to become the first Korean American governor, but her campaign drew new attention to the community's growing role in politics.

Taken together, the results show Korean American candidates winning races in very different parts of the country, from New England to the Pacific Northwest.