Coffeez for Closers with Joe Shalaby

Episode: From $50 to the State Senate | Faith & the American Dream ft. Senator Steven Choi
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Joseph Shalaby
Guest: Senator Steven Choi

Overview

In this inspiring episode, host Joseph Shalaby welcomes California State Senator Steven Choi to share his remarkable journey from immigrating to America with just $50 to becoming a state senator. Their conversation centers on faith, perseverance, and the realities of pursuing the American Dream as an immigrant. Senator Choi delves into his personal habits, political career, and the challenges and triumphs he’s experienced, offering wisdom on leadership, community involvement, and giving back.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Morning Routine & Personal Discipline

• Senator Choi starts his mornings early (5–5:30am), dedicating time to reading Bible verses—alternating between Korean and English translations (currently on his fourth reading).
• Stays active with walks, jogs, and taekwondo-style stretches, leveraging his neighborhood's hills since a busier schedule keeps him out of the gym.
  • “I try to open up my day with the Bible verses. … This is my fourth time reading Korean Bible and then English Bible, Korean Bible, English Bible. Now into English Bible.” (01:15)
• Keeps mornings free from appointments to focus on personal growth and wellness before beginning official duties.

Miraculous Political Ascent Against the Odds

• Discusses age discrimination within his own party, being labeled “too old,” which led party leadership to support a younger candidate.
• Despite minimal financial support (less than $100,000) and lack of party backing, he made it to the general election, ultimately defeating a heavily favored Democratic incumbent who spent $11 million.
  • “But I beat him. So nobody, nobody supported me. No organizations, no. Not even my party…” (08:46)
  • “Republican beating sitting incumbent Democrat in the Senate took for the first time in 44 years. …So they called me miracle senator…” (06:31)
• Faith played a central role:
  • “God has nothing that is impossible. As a person of faith. Only tool I had was...praying to your will, not to be afraid and to be brave.” (09:16)

Immigrant Story: From $50 in His Pocket

• Describes arriving in Hawaii in 1968 with only $50 after using half his original $100 to buy a camera in Japan, at the persuasion of friends.
  • “That’s the reason by the time I arrived in Hawaii, I had only $50 left.” (10:21)
• Reflects on his journey from being an artillery officer in South Korea with little savings to earning advanced degrees (culminating in a PhD) and establishing his career as a professor.
  • “It was remarkable how I survived and my education for my master’s degree and a PhD and ended up being a professor.” (11:45)

Pathway to Politics

• Choi’s political involvement began after encouragement from colleagues and his landlord to run for the Irvine school board.
• Despite being the only Asian and non-Caucasian candidate, with an accent and no campaign experience, he won in 1998.
• Progressed through positions: school board, city council member, mayor, assembly member, and now state senator.
  • “Every step of local government, the school board, city council, mayor, assembly, and senate. I think this has been a long record for anyone either minority or non-minority.” (18:06)
  • “If you don’t win, I mean you are forced to retire from the politics, right? But they keep on re electing me.” (16:48)

Motivations & Service-Oriented Leadership

• Says financial gain isn’t a motivation; early roles paid little more than insurance premiums.
• Sees his role as a way to serve and inspire both Korean Americans and wider immigrant communities.
• Stresses the importance of integrating into the broader American society, rather than staying insulated in ethnic enclaves.
  • “Once you have chosen America as your home country, become assimilated and contribute. … Be involved, become the builder.” (25:50)

Maintaining Cultural & Community Connections

• Attends both Korean and American churches to stay connected with both cultures.
• Encourages others to get out of their bubbles:
  • “I try to maintain and continue my relationship. At the same time, I’m an American. I want to learn what Americans believe in, what Americans talk about. …I go to American church…now I see the very rapid change of non-Caucasian minorities are starting to attend there.” (26:14)

Education, the “Best Investment”

• Attributes his success to education, echoing Warren Buffet’s sentiment that the best investment is in your mind.
  • “My mother was a superhero to me. …She said…‘I would rather sell them [land] and put the knowledge to your brain, which nobody can steal.’” (30:44)

The Challenge of Affordable Housing

• Shares candid insights into the intractability of California’s housing crisis; blames excessive regulation and fees, and political gridlock from being in the Republican superminority.
  • “The fees and the fees to build are crazy. …Not my data is updated, but when I was mayor, I was told to get a permit…for one side it’ll cost $54,000.” (36:53)
• Advocates for incentivizing builders through regulatory relief and tax credits, rather than more taxes and regulations.
  • “To build low cost housing, you gotta encourage builders. … Is that the lesser regulations? More regulation is every step…” (35:20)
• Suggests a long-range plan emphasizing financial education and support for youth to tackle homelessness.
  • “If I were the governor I would start a long range plan. Start from the young ages and the financial education…” (40:03)

Faith, Miracles, and the American Dream

• Attributes his journey and all “miracles” to God’s plan, including apparent defeats that led to greater opportunities.
  • “I didn’t know at that time, you know, why I lost. But now God had different purpose. … follow the will of God…” (40:50)
• Finds satisfaction in service, feeling he’s already exceeded his American dream.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I try to open up my day with the Bible verses...This is my fourth time reading Korean Bible and then English Bible.” (01:15)
• “But I beat him. So nobody, nobody supported me. No organizations, not even my party…” (08:46)
• “God has nothing that is impossible. Only tool I had was...praying to your will, not to be afraid and to be brave.” (09:16)
• “Once you have chosen America as your home country, become assimilated and contribute. … Be involved, become the builder.” (25:50)
• “My mother was a superhero to me…‘I would rather sell [our land] and put the knowledge to your brain, which nobody can steal.’” (30:44)
• “If I were the governor I would start a long range plan...Start from the young ages and the financial education…” (40:03)
• “I didn’t know at that time, you know, why I lost. But now God had different purpose. … follow the will of God, what good opportunities he has prepared, he will lead you to that goal.” (41:20)
• “When you’re in front of the pearly gates, what do you think God’s going to tell you?”
  • “Job well done. And I will say thank you, sir.” (44:10)

Important Timestamps

• Senator Choi’s morning routine & Bible study: 01:15–04:27
• Age discrimination & political comeback: 04:28–09:04
• Winning against an $11 million opponent: 06:31–08:46
• Faith & miracle of electoral victory: 09:16–09:59
• Immigrant beginnings ($50 story): 10:21–12:22
• Becoming a professor & entering politics: 12:22–15:43
• Long-term service & community involvement: 16:42–18:06
• Cultural assimilation & advice to immigrants: 25:50–28:43
• Discussion on education & mother’s wisdom: 30:44–32:24
• Affordable housing & regulatory challenges: 35:20–40:03
• Life lessons, faith, and legacy: 40:50–44:14

Conclusion

Senator Steven Choi’s story is as much about enduring faith and gratitude as it is about determination and service. For immigrants and first-generation Americans, he provides a living example of what’s possible—with education, involvement, and steadfast belief. His political path was unconventional, marked by rejection, underdog victories, and a constant desire to give back. The conversation closes with Choi’s heartfelt wish for peace and unity at Christmas, and a call to use our blessings to better our communities and country.

“Job well done. And I will say thank you, sir.” – Senator Steven Choi (44:10)