Charles Djou

Charles Djou, born on August ninth, nineteen seventy, is a notable American politician and attorney. He made history as the first Thai American and the first Republican of Chinese American descent to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Djou's political career took a significant turn when he was elected to represent Hawaii's 1st congressional district in a special election held in May two thousand ten, securing thirty-nine point sixty-eight percent of the vote against two Democratic opponents.

His tenure in Congress, however, was brief, lasting from May two thousand ten until January two thousand eleven, when he was defeated by Colleen Hanabusa in the November general election. Djou's political journey continued as he sought to reclaim his seat in subsequent elections in two thousand twelve and two thousand fourteen, both of which were unsuccessful. In two thousand sixteen, he ran for Mayor of Honolulu but lost to Kirk Caldwell by a narrow margin of fifty-two percent to forty-eight percent.

In two thousand eighteen, Djou made a significant personal and political shift by leaving the Republican Party, citing his opposition to then-President Donald Trump. This change in allegiance was further highlighted when he supported Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the two thousand twenty presidential election. Following Biden's victory, Djou was appointed as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, where he continues to serve in a prominent role.