Democrat Derek Tran Wins Tight California House Race, Narrowing GOP Majority

Derek Tran's victory over Michelle Steel in California’s 45th District flips a key seat and highlights shifting dynamics in a district with a large Asian American population.

Derek Tran, a Democrat and first-time candidate, defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel by just over 600 votes in one of the most competitive and expensive House races this cycle.
Tran's win reduces the Republican majority in the House to 220-214, with further GOP losses likely as several members are expected to leave for roles in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
The 45th District, which includes parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, was drawn to amplify the voices of Asian American voters, who make up the largest demographic in the area.
Both campaigns heavily courted the district’s Vietnamese American community, with Tran becoming the first Vietnamese American to represent the district, while Steel leaned on anti-communist messaging to appeal to older voters.
The race was marked by divisive rhetoric, including allegations of “red-baiting,” as both candidates used anti-China messaging to try to gain an edge among voters.