Peggy Huang rose from immigrant to prosecutor to Orange County’s first Chinese American mayor—an inspiring public servant and trailblazer for Asian American women in politics.
Running with Grit
With her daughter beside her, Peggy Huang finished the Nixon Library’s 5K. “Politics is like a marathon,” she said.
“It’s not about speed, but endurance.” As a cancer survivor, Peggy ran the 5k wearing a “Survivor” sash—living proof of her resilience and inspiring other cancer patients to fight on.
Early Struggles Legal Dreams
At age 7,Peggy immigrated from Taiwan to San Jose. She attended an elementary school that did not offer English as Second Language classes.
Her parents took her to the library and she learned English by reading every book that the librarian gave her.
During her high school years, her family moved to Irvine and she graduated from University High School.
Inspired by her father who is a lawyer, she set her sights on the law. “I grew up in the courtrooms and saw justice at work.” When her home was burglarized, it cemented her desire to be a prosecutor.
Political Roots and Advocacy
In college, she interned with a state legislator and became deeply involved in public affairs. She cultivated a habit of reading newspapers and journals for at least an hour a day, a habit she maintains today.
Her love of reading combined with her curiosity, Peggy studies a variety of subject matters, which she says gives her the depth and knowledge to craft thoughtful policies.
Law as a Bridge to Hope
Peggy earned her B.A. from UC Berkeley and obtained her juris doctorate and a certificate in governmental affairs from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
After passing the bar, she joined the California State Senate as a Senate Fellow and worked on California’s water policy, environment, agriculture, and social services.
Later, she joined the California DOJ’s criminal division and the California Department of Social Services. During Peggy’s legal career, she focused on child protection and human trafficking.
She sponsored two child-protection bills that became law and advanced victim’s rights.
She also worked on the federal welfare act to ensure that there was federal money available for foster care and family violence protection.
“Law isn’t just rules—it should be a bridge to hope.”
Breaking Barriers in Office
In 2014, Huang won the most votes in Yorba Linda’s city council race, becoming Orange County’s first Chinese American councilmember and later serving two terms as mayor.
Her vision for development drew sharp criticism—including “Say No to Peggy Huang” signs—but she stood firm : “We need to create a synergy in the City that fosters economic growth that generates the revenue needed to provide quality services and amenities for the community.”
Reviving the City
As mayor, she brought in major retailers like Bristol Farms, Regal, and Blind Coyote to the Town Center. She also blocked a $11M equestrian center and redirected funds to update the city’s infrastructure.
Under her leadership, the city has generated a surplus every year. Peggy’s love for reading and personal experience of how the library can transform a child’s life inspired her to build Yorba Linda’s state-of-the art library.
Peggy ensured that the City built the new library and arts and cultural center debt free.
Fighting Cancer While Serving on Council
While serving on Council, Huang was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I cried for three days, and when the tears dried up, I said, am ready to fight ,” she said.
Despite a marathon six-hour surgery and a long recovery, he missed only one council meeting.
Her battle inspired friends and relatives to get screened for breast cancer, leading to early detection and treatment for two individuals. “Maybe this was God’s mission for me.”
Promoting Taiwan's Model
In 2020, during the pandemic, Huang invited then-Taiwan U.S. envoy and now Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao to brief 40 California mayors on Taiwan’s COVID response.
She also arranged for Taiwan CDC officials to present the "Taiwan Model" to the Yorba Linda City Council, spotlighting Taiwan’s public health success.
Returning to Serve
Though she lost her 2020 congressional bid to represent her hometown Irvine,Huang stayed committed to serving the community : “Not every race is about winning—it’s about giving voice to the unheard.”
In 2024, she returned to the City Council, leading a 10-year plan focused on fiscal health, industry development, and community growth.
Legacy for the Next Generation
Huang knows Asian Americans remain underrepresented in politics. “I’m not in it for fame—I want to leave a legacy for others.”
She urges young people: “Don’t fear losing. Fear never trying. You may not be the fastest, but if you don’t quit, you’ll go farther than most.”
Running with Purpose
Peggy Huang didn’t just finish a marathon—she ran with purpose and faith, setting a path for Asian Americans in public service.
Her story reminds us : true leadership is not about never falling, but always rising to lead and inspire.