Steve Chan’s Senate Win Sparks Scrutiny Over CCP Connections

State Senator-elect Steve Chan, who flipped a traditionally blue New York Senate seat red in November, is now under scrutiny for his ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and controversial political figure John Chan.

Chan, born in Hong Kong, defeated Democratic incumbent Sen. Iwen Chu to claim New York’s 17th Senate District. However, a recent New York Times report highlighted connections between Steve Chan and John Chan, described as “a Chinatown gangster before remaking himself into a powerful force in New York politics.”

The report points to John Chan’s participation in a high-level advisory meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the goal was to spread the CCP’s influence globally. “Mr. Chan’s participation reflected a remarkable proximity to the highest levels of power in China, experts said and marked him as a person on whom the country’s leaders might call for favors,” the Times wrote.

John Chan’s influence in New York politics is significant, but recent federal investigations have drawn increased attention to potential foreign interference. Law enforcement previously searched the home of a top aide to Mayor Eric Adams, suspecting she acted as a Chinese agent. Similarly, an aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul was accused of blocking Taiwanese officials to appease the Chinese government.

The Times now links Steve Chan to John Chan. In a September interview, Steve Chan attempted to distance himself from John Chan, telling the publication he returned a donation from him. His campaign manager echoed this effort, emphasizing their desire to avoid any association.

“If the man is associated with the C.C.P., the best we can do is remain cordial,” Steve Chan said at the time. “Can we be allies? No. Can we be friends? Sure. But it ends right there.”

However, the Times revealed that just weeks later, Steve Chan joined John Chan on stage at an event celebrating the People’s Republic of China. Addressing the crowd in Mandarin, John Chan declared, “You must vote for him, and send him to the State Senate!”

Steve Chan ultimately defeated Chu, successfully flipping the seat red. The report also noted that Chan’s influence extended to several other races, raising further concerns about his political alliances and the extent of foreign influence in local elections.

The revelations highlight growing fears over potential CCP interference in American politics, placing Steve Chan’s victory—and his connections—under intense scrutiny.