Democratic candidate Derek Tran will become the next representative to represent California’s 45th Congressional District after Republican politician Michelle Steele conceded Wednesday.
Steele sent an email to her supporters thanking them for allowing her to “give back to the country that welcomed me.”
“It’s all God’s will and like all journeys, this one comes to an end and a new one begins,” Steele said.
Tran declared victory over the incumbent on Monday, calling his victory “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 the District have made in search of a better life. My parents fled oppression and pursued the American dream. And their stories reflect their journeys. There are many here in Southern California,” Tran said in a statement.
The race for one of the nation’s most competitive districts comes after Mr. Tran, a former lawyer and political newcomer, has held a number of influential positions over the years, including on the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the state of California. It ended in a turbulent outcome as Mr. Steele, who had been occupying the position, was pushed into a corner. State Board of Equalization, absent.
In the March primary, Mr. Steele faced four Democratic candidates, including Mr. Tran, who built his platform around pro-choice, increasing education spending, expanding health care access and strengthening gun safety policies.
Mr. Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, campaigned extensively to garner support from Orange County’s Asian American community, as it is home to the largest Vietnamese American constituency in the country. .
“This district was carved out for Vietnamese Americans,” Tran said during the campaign. “For 49 years since the fall of Saigon, they have had no representation at the national level.”
Steele, a Korean-American immigrant, sought a third term in office with the goal of increasing police spending and cutting taxes.
Mr. Steele has been outspoken in Congress about his resistance to tax increases and has said he strongly supports Israel in its war against Hamas. “As our greatest ally in the Middle East, the United States must always stand by Israel,” he said in a recent email. She has advocated for more funding for the police and spotlighted efforts to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse.
District 45 includes parts of Orange and Los Angeles counties, including Garden Grove, Westminster, Buena Park, and Artesia, and Asian Americans are the largest group in the district.
The campaign was marked by a nasty tone, with each candidate accusing the other of unethical behavior. The race will draw national attention for hints at the preferences of Asian American voters.
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