How to Navigate Campaign Loss and Run for Re-election: Lessons from Georgia Rep. Soo Hong

Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, "Tips From The Trail," hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.

In our December episode, Larissa is joined by Georgia State Representative Soo Hong to discuss her journey to statewide elected office, the power of authentic representation, and what it takes to earn constituent trust. See highlights from the episode below and listen to the podcast to capture all of the great advice Soo shared from her inspiring career in public service.

• Loss is an opportunity to learn. Although Soo didn't win her first campaign, that loss taught her valuable lessons and gave her motivation to run again. "When I look back, there's a reason why I didn't get it," she reflects. "If I didn't have the experience of having lost my first race, I wouldn't appreciate the work as much. I know what it took to get here and I know how much people worked to get here." 
• Year-round engagement is non-negotiable. Whether she lost or won, Soo made an effort to consistently show up for her community by hosting town halls, attending homeowners association meetings, and building trust with constituents. "People want to know that you represent them not only when you need votes but throughout the year," she emphasizes.
• Representation matters—and it mobilizes voters. As an Asian American immigrant running in Georgia, Soo's message resonated across party lines. In her first race, many Asian American voters in her district registered to vote for the first time, demonstrating the power of seeing yourself reflected in candidates on the ballot.
• Time management is everything. Balancing responsibilities as a state representative with a full-time job, and in Soo’s case, managing her own law firm, requires exceptional time management. When stepping into leadership at any level, it's critical to communicate with your family and colleagues about your commitments as an elected official and how you'll manage your schedule.

If you're considering a run for office, remember that representation matters. Your unique perspective and lived experience can inspire others and bring new voices into the political process. WPLN is here to help you get there! Explore free candidate training resources on our website and check out our upcoming events where you can register for virtual and in-person programs and connect with a national network of women leaders.

Check out the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Representative Soo Hong was elected to Georgia House District 103 in November 2022 and has proudly served the people of Buford, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, unincorporated Gwinnett County, and southern Hall County since January 2023.

The daughter of first-generation immigrants, Representative Hong was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the United States at age ten. She graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology and earned her law degree from Mercer University. She has been a practicing attorney for over 15 years and owns her own law practice, Blevins & Hong, PC, specializing in personal injury, bankruptcy, and criminal defense.

In 2023, Representative Hong was named a Floor Leader for Governor Brian Kemp. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Reapportionment & Redistricting Committee, sits on the Judiciary Committee, and chairs the Subcommittee for Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.

Connect with Representative Soo Hong on LinkedIn.