Democrat Derek Tran emerged victorious in a closely watched House race in Southern California, defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel. The district was specifically designed to amplify the voices of Asian Americans in Congress.
Tran, a lawyer and advocate for worker rights, is the son of Vietnamese refugees. In his victory speech, he emphasized the resilience of his community and the sacrifices made by families in the district for a better life.
Steel, who made history in 2020 as one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, graciously acknowledged the end of her journey in this race, hinting at the possibility of a new chapter ahead.
The race was closely contested, with Steel initially holding a lead but Tran ultimately prevailing after late-counted ballots were tallied.
With this win, Democrats have narrowed the gap in the House, with Republicans holding 220 seats to Democrats' 214. Another race in California's 13th District remains undecided, with Democrat Adam Gray currently leading Republican Rep. John Duarte by a slim margin.
Tran's campaign focused on issues such as protecting abortion rights and safeguarding democracy, warning against perceived threats from the Republican Party. Steel, on the other hand, emphasized her stance on tax policy, support for Israel, and advocacy for increased police funding.
The district, centered in Orange County, boasts a significant Asian American population, including the largest Vietnamese community in the country. Democrats maintain a slight registration advantage in the area.
Steel's future plans remain uncertain, as she filed paperwork to continue fundraising but has not indicated whether she intends to seek another term in Congress.
