NW Valley Times

Kaylee May Law, a Grand Canyon University alumna, was sworn into the Walnut City Council in California on December 11. Law, who graduated from GCU at 17 with a bachelor's degree in government and legal studies, is now one of the youngest Asian Americans elected to public office in the United States.

After her graduation from GCU in May 2023, she pursued a master's degree in government at Johns Hopkins University, completing it within just over a year. Her early start in academics began at age 13 when she took community college courses encouraged by her mother.

“Pick something fun, I’m thinking, like ceramics,” Janel Law told CBS Los Angeles affiliate. “She picked logic.”

Law emphasized that her achievements are due to hard work rather than any secret formula. “I put in the work in everything I do. I don’t think it’s impossible for others to do something similar,” she said.

When running for the city council seat, Law focused on a grassroots campaign strategy. “I wanted to run a grassroots campaign – so lots and lots of knocking on doors,” she said. She engaged directly with residents by visiting nearly 5,000 homes.

Her vision includes keeping Walnut safe and enhancing its quality of life. As someone who grew up there and served on nonprofit boards for Chinese Americans and underprivileged groups, she holds strong ties to the community.

“I lived my entire life here,” said Law about Walnut's vibrant environment filled with green spaces and trails.

Law ran against six candidates for three seats using the slogan "Law is on your side." She turned 19 shortly before election day and dedicated her victory to her grandfather Fat Law, honoring his journey from Hong Kong to owning a business in America.

Despite considering a future as an attorney, Law has chosen to serve as California's youngest public official according to city research. The role offers little financial compensation but provides significant community impact.

“It’s like gas money. This is literally community service," she remarked about her position on the council.

Law also found joy researching her thesis topic at Johns Hopkins regarding the Supreme Court's Chevron decision—a passion that helps mitigate stress associated with work-related tasks.

“If you truly love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work,” she concluded.

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at [email protected]