17 Facts About Steven Choi

Steven Seokho Choi is an American politician serving as a California State Senator, representing the 37th District since December 2,2024.

In 1998, Steven Choi became the first Asian-American elected to the Irvine United School Board, leaving in the middle of his second term when he was elected to the City Council.

Steven Choi was born in 1944 in Naju, Zenranan-do, Korea, Empire of Japan.

Steven Choi then continued his post-graduate education, earning his master's degree in library science from Louisiana State University in 1971 and Ph.

Steven Choi has taught at several universities and colleges including the University of Southern California; University of California, Irvine; California State University, Los Angeles; Henderson State University; Saddleback College; and most recently Coastline Community College.

Steven Choi founded and serves as director of Dr Choi's Academy, a tutoring and academic enrichment business.

Steven Choi was elected to the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education in 1998 and reelected in 2002.

Steven Choi was elected to the Irvine City Council in 2004, becoming the first Asian American elected to a four-year term on the council.

Steven Choi served on the Irvine City Council until 2012, when he defeated councilman Larry Agran in the mayoral election and was elected to a two-year term as Irvine's mayor.

Steven Choi served on the boards of the Irvine Redevelopment Agency, the Orange County Sanitation District Board and other countywide committees.

Steven Choi formerly represented the 71st Assembly District on the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee.

Steven Choi was a member of the Local Elected Officials Association and the 400 Club.

In 2010, Choi sought election to the California State Assembly, but narrowly lost the Republican primary to Donald P Wagner, who went on to win the general election.

In 2024, Steven Choi won election to the California State Senate, narrowly defeating Senator Josh Newman in an upset.

Steven Choi previously lived in Mission Viejo from 1981 until 1993.

Steven Choi's son, Daniel, is a physician at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County.

Steven Choi's daughter, Michelle, is an attorney working in Irvine.