Democrat Derek Tran emerged victorious in California’s 45th congressional district, defeating incumbent Michelle Steel to secure a seat in the US House of Representatives. The Associated Press officially called the race for Tran after a prolonged counting period. This win for Democrats is significant as Republicans already hold control of the US House and the Senate. The victory in the 45th district, previously held by Steel, marks a key gain for the Democratic party.
Initially, Steel had a substantial lead in the race, but as ballots continued to be tallied, the competition intensified, ultimately resulting in Tran’s win. While Steel seemed to hint at conceding in a statement on social media, she did not explicitly concede or mention Tran by name. The election in California’s 45th district is one of the few remaining House races awaiting a formal declaration.
Tran, a lawyer and Army veteran, campaigned on a platform highlighted by his stance on abortion rights and emphasized Steel’s previous support for a national abortion ban, the Life at Conception Act. Despite facing criticism from former President Donald Trump, who labeled Tran a “Radical Left Puppet of Communist China,” Tran’s background as the son of Vietnamese refugees resonated with voters in a district anchored by Orange County, home to the country’s largest Vietnamese community.
With Tran’s victory, he becomes the first Vietnamese American to represent the district in Congress. His win is celebrated as a testament to the resilience of the community and the sacrifices made by many families in pursuit of a better life. The 45th district seat, along with two others in California and Oregon, flipped to Democrats in this election, highlighting a shift in political dynamics in these regions.
In a separate development, Iowa representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks secured reelection after a recount, maintaining a narrow lead over her Democratic opponent. The AP has yet to call one remaining House race, reflecting the close contests seen throughout this election cycle. The political landscape continues to evolve, with new faces and familiar figures shaping the future of governance in the United States.