Thompson Honors Councilmember Jack Ding as the Sonoma County American Dream Award Recipient

Congressman Mike Thompson | Official U.S. House headshot

By Wine Country Times Report

Jul 12, 2023

On July 9, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) recognized Councilmember Jack Ding as the 2023 American Dream Award recipient for Sonoma County. The American Dream Award is presented to immigrants from California’s Fourth District who have made outstanding contributions to our communities.

“Jack Ding is the perfect example of what the American Dream Award represents,” said Thompson. “Throughout his time in the United States, Councilmember Ding has made serving others a priority, from increasing tax representation, supporting fellow immigrants, and bringing our community together to support Ukraine. His leadership has helped to guide Sonoma through challenging times, and it’s clear that he is well-deserving of this recognition.”

Jack Ding was born in China, where he received a diploma for electrical engineering. He came to the United States in 1993 to study at Dominican University, working his way through school to receive a Master's in Business Administration. He became a United States Citizen in 2008 and moved to the City of Sonoma, where he became a vital member of the community through his advocacy and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Ding was elected to Sonoma City Council in 2020, and Mayor in 2022, becoming the first Asian American to hold this office. Mr. Ding regularly engages with immigrant groups, encouraging people to be active participants in local and national politics. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Ding’s utilized the American Rescue Plan and fiscal policy to increase Sonoma’s reserve funds by $3 million. In addition, he has lead fundraising efforts for a pavilion to honor local Chinese laborers’ contribution to the local wine industry. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Ding hosted a press conference with the Ukrainian Counsel General to condemn the invasion and helped raise over $150,000 for Sonoma’s Ukrainian Sister City.

The American Dream Award honors immigrants who have excelled professionally, through entrepreneurship and innovation, in the arts and culture, or through community service.

The full list of recipients from California’s Fourth District includes: