Born in Monterey Park and raised throughout the San Gabriel Valley in Alhambra and Sierra Madre to Chinese-Vietnamese refugees, Danny Hang’s parents fled the Vietnam War in search of hope, freedom, and the American dream.

Hang’s dad was a union worker – a machinist at Boeing and a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 725.

Hang said he watched his dad work long hours at his job and when he went on strike to protect health insurance and retirement benefits for their family.

His mother was a small business owner. She ran a nail salon and was the main breadwinner for their family. Hang said it was her income that helped them to achieve the American middle-class dream.

Hang’s journey into public service began with a desire to ensure that everyone – regardless of background, identity, sexual orientation, or economic status has a voice.

“Living in West Hollywood, I’ve seen firsthand how progressive leadership can make a real difference in people’s lives, from affordable housing and rent control, LGBTQ+ rights, workers’ rights, and to environmental justice,” said Hang.

He added that it’s that commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and social equity that inspired him to step up and serve, ensuring West Hollywood remains a place where everyone feels seen, safe, and empowered.

A first-generation college graduate, Hang graduated from Loyola Marymount University and then pursued a double master’s in social work and gerontology at the University of Southern California. Hang began his career at the Social Security Administration, handling supplemental security income benefits for people with disabilities and older adults. He currently works in disability retirement for Los Angeles County.

Hang’s involvement with the community led to his appointment as an at-large member of the West Hollywood Disabilities Advisory Board where he worked hard to address issues affecting people with disabilities, including ADA compliance, transportation, housing, and access to city government and services for people with disabilities. He was later appointed to the West Hollywood Business License Commission. He was also appointed as a member of the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation by the State Bar Board of Trustees and serves on the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Advisory Board. He also served on the Executive Board for Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County.

Hang said the future of West Hollywood is bright and inclusive, and that right now, housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues, along with climate change, workers’ rights, and community safety.

“I envision a city that continues to lead in championing LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability,” says Hang “We’re a city that’s known for its bold action on critical issues, and I see us pushing even further on those fronts—whether it’s improving public transportation to reduce traffic and pollution, expanding affordable housing, or supporting our creative economy. West Hollywood will remain a beacon of diversity and equality, but we also need to ensure our growth is thoughtful and equitable so that we can remain a place where both long-time residents and newcomers thrive.”

One of Hang’s priorities is to protect and expand renters’ rights while keeping people in their homes and off the streets. He said many residents feel the pressure of rising rents and limited housing options, and the issue can be addressed by creating more affordable and inclusive housing.

He added, “Unless we take urgent action at the local, state, and federal level – from zoning reform to streamlining permitting, to providing more assistance to those who are struggling – the housing and cost-of-living crises will continue.”

Ensuring workforce protections such as a living wage and paid time off for all workers is important to Hang. He says he believes that workers are the backbone of the most powerful economy in the world, and deserve a fair and equitable wage.

“Immigrant-owned small businesses are centerpieces of their neighborhoods, and they contribute in a meaningful way to the diversity and vibrancy of the West Hollywood community.”

Photo courtesy of Danny Hang.