Derek Tran greets a young supporter during a campaign rally.

RAFU WIRE SERVICE AND STAFF REPORTS

SANTA ANA—With her Democratic challenger, Derek Tran, steadily increasing his lead, Republican Rep. Michelle Steel conceded defeat Nov. 27 in her bid to retain the 45th Congressional District seat that includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties.

“From the moment I came to the United States, I knew that giving back to the country that welcomed me with open arms would be part of my future,” Steel, who was born in South Korea, wrote in a statement. “Because of the opportunities offered by this great country, and God’s great blessings, I was able to go to college, start a family, and build my own American Dream. I embarked on a mission to assist First Generation Americans, stand up to our adversaries, and defend human rights.

“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. Everything is God’s will and, like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to my supporters, my staff, my family, my daughters and especially my husband, Shawn, for standing by me through endless campaigns. To my volunteers, we would never have made it this far without your tireless efforts. And, to the voters, thank you. I will never stop fighting for you.”

Steel served on the California State Board of Equalization (2007-2015) and on the Orange County Board of Supervisors from (2015-2021), and represented the 48th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023.

The concession to Tran came on the first day in more than a week and a half that Tran did not make gains. He lost 17 votes in the latest tally, leaving him with a 596-vote lead, according to results posted Nov. 27.

Tran had a 613-vote lead in the race Nov. 26. Tran declared victory earlier that week despite the relatively slim advantage and an unknown number of ballots left to be tallied.

He led 158,104 to 157,508 or 50.1% to 49.9%, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
Tran led by 581 votes entering the resumption of counting previously processed ballots on Nov. 26.

The consumer rights attorney and co-owner of a pharmacy with his wife Michelle trailed in the district’s Orange County portion — including Garden Grove, Westminster, Buena Park, Placentia and Fountain Valley — 142,674 to 139,048 or 50.6% to 49.4%, but led in the Los Angeles County portion — Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens and a portion of Lakewood — 19,056 to 14,834 or 56.2% to 43.8%.

The district is 39% Asian. Little Saigon, the nation’s largest Vietnamese American enclave, straddles Garden Grove and Westminster.

Tran issued a statement Nov. 26 calling it a “great honor to be elected” to the seat.

“Just a short while ago, Congresswoman Michelle Steel called me to concede, and I expressed my appreciation to her for her service,” Tran said. “I plan to work closely with her office over the next month to ensure a smooth transition and handover of constituent casework, so my team hits the ground running in early January.

“I look forward to once again taking the oath to support and defend our Constitution and beginning this next chapter of public service so we can put the people first.”

Tran slowly expanded his lead as vote-counting continued from the Nov. 5 election. On Nov. 6, Tran was trailing by 11,363 votes, but he slowly cut into the lead as daily tallies were released, and he took his first lead over the two-term incumbent on Nov. 16.

The race was a contentious one. In her campaign ads, Steel alleged that as an attorney Tran represented clients who were racist and sexually harassed women.

Tran’s campaign said that Steel supported a national abortion ban and opposed the Violence Against Women Act.

Tran also linked Steel to Donald Trump, stating that the former president posted “an unhinged and full-throated endorsement of his acolyte MAGA Michelle Steel on Truth Social.”

According to ABC 7 News, mailers sent to voters in Orange County by Steel’s campaign attempted to link Tran to Mao Zedong and showed Tran with the communist symbol, the hammer and sickle.

Steel’s campaign refuted charges by Tran’s campaign, which referenced news reports accusing Shaun Steel, the congresswoman’s husband, of bringing Chinese spies into American politics in exchange for money.

Steel told a local Vietnamese TV outlet, “I think I am more Vietnamese than my opponent” because she worked with the Vietnamese American community for more than 30 years. Tran called that statement “insulting and disgraceful.”

Former President Bill Clinton campaigned on Tran’s behalf and stated that it was “inexplicable” that the district had never been represented by a Vietnamese American.

The race was closely watched. Although Republicans have retained control of the House, their margin is razor-thin, 220 to 215, with 218 needed for majority.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement on Nov. 27, “Congratulations to Derek Tran. It’s past time Orange County residents had a representative who understands the meaning of service and represents the best of Orange County – and that’s exactly what Derek – an Army veteran, consumer rights attorney, and son of Vietnamese refugees – embodies.

“As the first Vietnamese American ever elected to represent the Vietnamese diaspora of Little Saigon, he’s ready to fight for living wages, protect a woman’s right to an abortion, and preserve the American Dream. The DCCC is proud of our role in helping elect Derek to Congress, and I look forward to working alongside him.”