Career
In 2004, Meng became the first Asian American to be elected to the New York State Legislature. He ran on Democratic, Independence, and Conservative tickets, beating out Republican candidate Meilin Tan, Working Families candidate Barry Grodenchik, and Green candidate Evergreen Chou. He served only one term, having decided against running for re-election in 2006 following a scandal regarding election irregularities in his first campaign.
He was succeeded by another Asian American Ellen Young.
In turn, Young lost the September 9, 2008 Democratic primary to Grace Meng. Jimmy Meng was arrested on federal bribery charges on July 25, 2012.
On March 12, 2013, Meng was sentenced to a month in jail, a fine of $30,000, three months of house arrest, and 750 hours of community service for his role in the bribery scheme.
