Susan Zhuang

Susan Zhuang is an American politician who is a member of the New York City Council for the 43rd district, which covers Sunset Park, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Borough Park, and other neighborhoods in southern Brooklyn.

Early life and education
Zhuang was born in Baipu, a small village in China, and came to the United States in 2008 as a student. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the State University of New York at Oswego and later a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana.

Career
Zhuang previously worked as chief of staff for New York State Assemblyman William Colton.

New York City Council
Zhuang announced her campaign for the 43rd district, a newly-created Asian-majority seat. While campaigning, Zhuang told a voter in Mandarin that her ideas aligned with the Republican Party and that she was running as a Democrat out of convenience. Zhuang's election marked the first time the area had been represented by Asian Americans in both chambers of the New York State Legislature as well as the New York City Council; though policy and political differences between New York State Senator Iwen Chu, Republican Assemblyman Lester Chang, and Zhuang persist. In office, Zhuang has been described as a conservative Democrat.

Zhuang and Colton led a large protest against a proposed homeless shelter location in Gravesend. On July 17, 2024, Zhuang was arrested and accused of biting NYPD Deputy commissioner Frank DiGiacomo during a protest against a homeless shelter. She was soon released on bail and she provided no explanation.