Hmong Daily News

September 9, 2022 - Macy Yang, Hmong Daily News

Born in Thailand, Fue Xiong and his family came to the United States as refugees. They settled in Merced in 1992.

Xiong, 31, is seeking the District 6 seat in the Merced City Council challenging incumbent City Councilman Delray Shelton. If elected, Xiong will be the second Hmong descendant to be elected to a government post in the city.

Xiong’s Hmong-American experience as a child of refugee parents meant that his parents were a working family, but also relied on government assistance to supplement their income, which included food and housing assistance. Xiong, however, credits these programs and resources for his success.

Speaking of his greatest influence, Xiong said his father, Chue Wang Xiong, a clan, and community leader, was his greatest influence from a young age.

"As I got older, I started to understand why, every day, my dad was out talking in the community,” Xiong said, adding that his father was dedicated to his culture and his community.

Xiong helps to organize youth groups at the Merced Coalition for Fair Housing and pushes for affordable housing in Merced. Xiong credits youth groups for running his campaign, and says they are our "future generation.”

Unlike his opponent, Councilmember Shelton, a Sheriff Lieutenant, who signs off on eviction notices, Xiong wants to see more votes in support of affordable housing. Shelton, says Xiong, "is the opposite of what we stand for.”

"Merced is the 15th most unaffordable place to live,” Xiong said. If elected, he is pushing for inclusionary zoning which would require developers to contribute a percentage of the units to be listed as affordable housing.

When asked, Xiong said the Hmong community is supportive of his campaign—stating that, for instance, Dr. Jonas Vangay, and Sacramento City Councilwoman, Mai Vang, have come out in support of him. 

Xiong is endorsed by former Merced Mayor Pro Tempore and City Councilmember, Noah Lor, other elected officials, school board members, youth and community leaders, business owners, and activist, Dolores Huerta.

"The elders have said, study hard, go to college, but we always love our Hmong community, so we have to come back to help the community that helped you and to be that leader,” said Xiong. 

Xiong, if elected, will be the youngest council member in Merced. 

Read the full article here: https://shrtm.nu/c2LX