In a significant victory, Democrat Derek Tran unseated Republican Michelle Steel in a carefully crafted southern California House district aimed at amplifying the voices of Asian Americans in Congress.
Reflecting on her defeat, Steel remarked, “Every end marks a new beginning.” Her initial win in 2020 made her one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress alongside other trailblazers.
Tran, a passionate advocate for worker rights and son of Vietnamese immigrants, celebrated his triumph as a testament to community resilience. He emphasized his personal connection to the struggles and aspirations of families in the district.
This closely contested race is among the final ones to be resolved this year, with Republicans currently holding 220 House seats compared to Democrats’ 214. The outcome remains pending for California’s 13th district as Adam Gray leads by a narrow margin over John Duarte.
Steel initially led post-election but was overtaken by Tran due to late ballot counts.
While Steel filed paperwork indicating her intent to continue fundraising activities, it remains uncertain if she will pursue another congressional bid.
During the campaign, Tran highlighted concerns about threats to abortion rights from Republicans and warned against potential risks posed by Donald Trump’s return to power.
On policy stances, Steel has been vocal about opposing tax hikes and expressing unwavering support for Israel amid conflicts with Hamas. She advocates for increased police funding and has championed causes related to domestic violence prevention and combating sexual abuse.