Democratic challenger and political newcomer Derek Tran beat Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in Orange County’s 45th Congressional District Race – one of the country’s tightest House races.
It comes after Tran pulled ahead of Steel a week and a half ago and saw his lead continuously increase as ballot counts were updated by election officials in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
On Wednesday, Steel conceded the race to Tran, leaving just one House race left that the Associated Press has yet to call as of Nov. 27.
“The journey to work on behalf of legal immigrants and struggling families took me somewhere I never could have imagined – and for which I will always be grateful — the United States Congress,” Steel said in a campaign statement Wednesday afternoon.
“Everything is God’s will and, like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin.”
The Associated Press called the race for Tran Wednesday afternoon.
Tran, a consumer rights attorney and Army veteran, declared victory in the race on Monday.
“This victory is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life,” reads a Nov. 25 news release from Tran’s campaign.
It’s the second Orange County election upset to happen this year after former Irvine Mayor Steven Choi beat State Sen. Josh Newman in the 37th State Senate District this week.
[Read: Republican Steven Choi Beats Incumbent Democrat Josh Newman in OC’s State Senate Race]
Steel, a former Orange County supervisor, was first elected to Congress in 2020 and won reelection in 2022.
The 45th Congressional District stretches from Los Angeles County including Cerritos, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens and Lakewood; and into Orange County including Brea, Fullerton, Yorba Linda and encompasses Little Saigon in Garden Grove and Westminster.
Tran’s victory also determines just how big of a majority Republicans have in the House of Representatives, which sits at 220 seats – just two seats over the majority threshold – according to the Associated Press.
Republicans sit at a slim majority at 219 seats in the House of Representatives – just one over the majority threshold, according to the Associated Press.
In a Monday post on X, formerly Twitter, Tran reflected on his first-generation American upbringing.
“Only in America can you go from refugees fleeing with nothing but the clothes on your back to becoming a member of Congress in just one generation.”
Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.
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