Tam is a second-generation Asian American of Taiwanese ancestry.[1][2] His father had served as an assistant to a draftsman, and his mother worked in sales.[1] Following graduation from Kalani High School,[3] he graduated with a degree in history from Pennsylvania State University, and upon returning to Hawaii, began working for his family's real estate company.[1][2]
Tam is a member of the Progressive Legislative Caucus.[20]
In December 2023, Tam was elected interim Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii by the State Central Committee. His term ended on May 19, 2024 and was succeeded by Derek Turbin.[21]
In June 2021, Queerty named Tam one of its "Pride50" people "who made a positive impact in the last year and who are helping to lead the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all queer people".[23]
Electoral history
Hawaii's 22nd House District Democratic primary, 2020
^After returning from the failed January 6, 2021 Putsch, Nick Ochs was arrested on the evening of January 7, 2021 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu for his participation in the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol. He retained both Myles Breiner in Honolulu and the Washington DC attorney Edward MacMahon, Jr. and entered a not guilty plea on February 12, 2021. Previously, Edward MacMahon, Jr. represented Zacarias Moussaoui, who was a 9/11hijacker. MacMahon was involved in the proceedings during the Iran–Contra affair as well.[7][16][17][18][19]
