Gary Locke

Gary Locke – Life, Career, and Legacy

Explore the life and political career of Gary Locke — the first Chinese-American governor and diplomat. From humble beginnings in Seattle to roles as U.S. Commerce Secretary and Ambassador to China, discover his impact and quotes.

Introduction

Gary Faye Locke (born January 21, 1950) is an American politician, attorney, and diplomat whose career has spanned local, state, and international service. He is known for breaking ethnic barriers (as the first Chinese-American governor in the continental United States) and for his reputation as a practical, moderate Democrat. Locke served as Governor of Washington, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and U.S. Ambassador to China. His life story illustrates how perseverance, cross‐cultural identity, and a focus on grounded leadership can leave a lasting mark.

Early Life and Family

Gary Locke was born in Seattle, Washington, and raised in challenging economic circumstances. Yesler Terrace, a public housing project in Seattle intended for veterans’ families.

He is a third-generation Chinese American. His paternal ancestors came from Taishan, Guangdong, China; his mother’s family originally hailed from Hong Kong.

Locke is one of five children. His father, James “Jimmy” Locke, served in the U.S. Army during World War II (in the 5th Armored Division).

Locke graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle in 1968 with honors. Eagle Scout.

He went on to attend Yale University, earning a bachelor's degree in political science in 1972. Boston University School of Law in 1975.

Early Career in Law & Entry to Politics

After law school, Locke returned to Washington State and worked as a deputy prosecutor in King County.

In 1982, Locke entered public office by being elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, representing a district in south Seattle.

In 1993, Locke was elected King County Executive (the executive of the county that includes Seattle).

Governorship of Washington (1997–2005)

In 1996, Locke ran for Governor of Washington and won, becoming the first Chinese American governor in the continental United States.

Key Initiatives & Challenges

• Economic Development & Trade: Because Washington is a trade-dependent state (especially with Asia), Locke focused on expanding export markets, especially in China and Asia.

• Under Locke, Washington more than doubled exports to China.

• He pushed various reforms in government efficiency and infrastructure.

• Locke navigated the 2001 national recession, which created budget shortfalls. He adopted some fiscal restraint measures (including freezing pay for state employees, cutting or delaying certain services) and avoided new broad tax increases — a stance that drew criticism from more liberal factions of his party.

• Locke’s administration also made a symbolic change: they banned the term “Oriental” in state statutes, codes, and regulations — replacing it with more appropriate language.

• He supported civil rights measures (same-sex partner benefits, gay rights bills), abortion rights, and affirmative action policies.

Decision Not to Seek Third Term

In July 2003, Locke announced he would not seek a third term as governor, citing a desire to spend more time with family despite his deep affection for Washington State. racist threats, insults, and harassment directed at him and his family after a strong response to President Bush’s 2003 State of the Union played a role in his decision.

He gave the Democratic response to the 2003 State of the Union Address, giving him national visibility.

Federal Service: Commerce Secretary & Ambassador

Secretary of Commerce (2009–2011)

After a period in private law practice, Locke was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

As Commerce Secretary, Locke guided initiatives including:

• The National Export Initiative, aiming to double U.S. exports over five years.

• Overseeing the 2010 U.S. Census — under his supervision it was completed on time and reportedly under budget, saving taxpayers billions.

• Reforming patent and trademark processing so that backlog times were greatly reduced.

Locke resigned as Commerce Secretary on August 1, 2011, in order to take up the post of Ambassador to China.

Ambassador to China (2011–2014)

Locke was nominated by President Obama and confirmed unanimously as U.S. Ambassador to China in July 2011.

During his tenure:

• Locke cultivated a reputation for humility and down-to-earth style. One widely noted moment: he carried his own knapsack through the Seattle–Tacoma Airport during a visit to China, which Chinese social media used to highlight his modest demeanor.

• In 2012, the Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng escaped from house arrest and sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Locke, in coordination with U.S. and Chinese officials, played a role in managing the diplomatic fallout from that case.

• He worked on improving U.S.–China trade relations, expanding market access for U.S. goods, facilitating visa processes, and promoting cooperation on issues such as environmental monitoring (e.g., air quality).

In November 2013, Locke announced his intention to step down to return to private life in the U.S. He formally left his post in early 2014.

Later Career & Public Service

After his ambassadorship, Locke served in various roles:

• He joined the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Seattle, specializing in international trade and governmental affairs.

• In 2016, he joined the board of AMC Theatres (a major U.S. movie theater chain).

• He also joined the board of PATH, a global health nonprofit organization.

• From June 2020 to July 2023, Locke served as interim president of Bellevue College, the largest college in the Washington state community & technical college system.

• In November 2023, he became a senior advisor at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney.

Legacy & Influence

Gary Locke’s legacy can be understood along several dimensions:

Barrier Breaker

• He is often cited as the first Chinese-American governor in the U.S. (continental states).

• He was also the first Chinese American to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China.

• His public presence offered representation to Asian Americans in high political office—helping broaden perceptions of who could lead in American government.

Pragmatic, Moderate Leadership

Locke cultivated a reputation for moderation, incremental reform, and an emphasis on consensus and fiscal responsibility. He often took centrist positions and sought to balance progress with sustainability.

Focus on Trade and Global Engagement

Given Seattle’s and Washington State’s strong trade ties (especially with Asia), Locke’s foreign engagement as governor and later as Commerce Secretary / Ambassador aligned with the economic needs of his region and nation. He often emphasized the interdependence of state, domestic, and international policy in the 21st century.

Symbol of Humility and Accessibility

Many admired Locke’s down-to-earth persona—his preference for low-key public behavior, his conscious efforts to show modesty, and his willingness to engage people directly. These traits enhanced his appeal across cultural and generational boundaries.

Influence on Public Service Paths

Locke’s transition from state to federal to diplomatic roles offers a model for how local and regional leaders can scale their impact to national and global stages while retaining a commitment to community roots.

Notable Quotes

Here are a few notable statements attributed to Gary Locke:

“I’m proud of my Chinese heritage. I’m proud of the great contributions that China has made to world civilization over thousands of years. But I'm thoroughly American. I'm proud of the great values that America has brought to the entire world and all that America stands for.”

This quote encapsulates Locke’s dual cultural identity and his conviction that embracing heritage and national identity need not conflict.

Other quotes reflecting his style (though less documented) include remarks on public service humility, cross-cultural respect, and working quietly rather than seeking limelight.

Lessons from Gary Locke’s Life

1. Representation matters. Locke’s ascent shattered stereotypes and made visible the possibility of leadership by Asian Americans in high office.

2. Cultural identity can be strength. Rather than hiding his background, Locke integrated it into his public narrative—as a bridge, not a barrier.

3. Moderation and pragmatism resonate. In polarized politics, leaders who can navigate middle ground and get things done often sustain influence.

4. Global thinking grounded in local roots. Locke’s trajectory shows how regional leaders can leverage global relationships to benefit their constituents.

5. Humility endures. His consistent modesty, willingness to engage, and respect for public service as duty (not celebrity) enhance the durability of leadership.

Conclusion

Gary Locke’s life is a compelling example of how public service, cross-cultural identity, and principled leadership can intersect. From a modest upbringing in Seattle to breaking ethnic ceilings in state and federal office, Locke’s path blends symbolism and substance. His career reminds us that progress is not only about landmark firsts, but also about building bridges, governing responsibly, and showing that diversity and unity can coexist.