Democrat Derek Tran has made history by winning California's 45th Congressional District, defeating Republican incumbent Michelle Steel after one of the most closely watched races of the 2024 election. The Associated Press declared Tran the victor on November 27, 2024, following weeks of counting mail-in ballots. The race concluded with Tran securing 50.1% of the vote to Steel’s 49.9%, marking it as one of the last House seats to be decided nationwide.
The 45th District, which sits primarily within Orange County, is home to significant populations of Asian Americans, especially Vietnamese Americans. Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, will become the first Vietnamese American to serve as the district's representative. His victory is viewed not only as personal triumph but also as symbolic of broader representation within Congress.
Tran's campaign focused heavily on four main issues: affordable healthcare, housing access, standing against political corruption, and protecting women’s rights, particularly abortion. His stance on abortion, contrasted with Steel’s prior support for legislation perceived as restrictive, played a pivotal role during the campaign. Tran criticized Steel's previous positions, labeling them as extreme, which significantly swayed voters concerned about the issue.
Though Tran's victory is noteworthy, the dynamics of the California district’s political leanings remain complex. Steel, who previously flipped the district from Democrat to Republican during her first election to Congress, had substantial resources and party backing, including endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Despite this, Tran's campaign utilized strategic messaging to appeal directly to voters' experiences and needs. Following his victory, Tran expressed, "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," showcasing the deep roots of his personal narrative intertwined with the American Dream.
Steel, who has not conceded easily, acknowledged the tough competition and the challenges of her own platform. Her campaign emphasized fighting inflation, securing the borders, and supporting first-generation immigrants, recounting her own experiences as she immigrated to the United States decades ago. She also stated on social media, "To the voters, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Everything is God’s will, and this chapter ends for another to begin."
The battle for California's 45th congressional district saw Tran and Steel courting Asian American voters extensively, as this demographic constitutes about 39% of the population within the district. Throughout the campaigns, both candidates shared their cultural backgrounds, hoping to resonate with this community historically shaped by the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
Thinking strategically, both candidates utilized aggressive anti-communism messaging, appealing to voters’ historical perspectives of fleeing from oppressive regimes. Tran emphasized his commitment to combating "Chinese Communist rule," tapping directly onto the expansive fears stemming from his constituents’ histories. Conversely, Steel, also with ties to immigration, positioned herself as the defender of democratic ideals against perceived threats from communist China.
Interestingly, the back-and-forth of accusations between Tran and Steel became increasingly heated as the campaign progressed. Tran called out Steel's comments during interviews where she claimed, "I understand the Vietnamese community more than my opponent." He deemed such statements as both disrespectful and dismissive of his heritage, stating on social media, "Michelle can’t steal our identity or experiences."
The tension reached peaks when Steel employed campaign tactics accusing Tran of being overly sympathetic to socialist ideologies, leveraging divisive rhetoric to question his commitment to American values. The election saw over $34 million funneled toward campaigning efforts from both sides, highlighting how fierce and closely contested the race had become.
The shift from Republican control to Democratic representation signifies waves of change, highlighting how the growing progressive sentiment may influence broader political landscapes across traditionally conservative regions. Although the GOP still maintains advantages overall with 220 seats against Democrats with 214, Tran's win stands as proof of Democrats' ability to reclaim significant ground across battleground districts.
Looking forward, Tran has articulated his plan to pay close attention to the unique challenges faced by Southern Californians, including local economic pressures and healthcare accessibility. He emphasized his intent to represent his community with optimism and determination as he prepares for his role.
Political analysts will be closely watching how Tran's victory alters the balance of power, particularly if he can inspire similar outcomes elsewhere as Democrats continue to push back against Republican strongholds. This election has reignited dialogues surrounding representation, bringing to light the narratives crafted by individuals with rich backgrounds slowly transforming the fabric of American politics.
With the 2024 elections leaving several races unsettled, Tran’s decisive win potentially paves the way for more Democrats to seek office across shifting political landscapes. Observers point out the need for political figures to adapt messaging not just to traditional bases, but also to the younger generations increasingly engaged and disenchanted by overt partisan rhetoric.
