Derek Tran to face Michelle Steel for California’s 45th district in November
By Carl Samson
The predominantly Asian 45th congressional district of California will see Republican incumbent Michelle Steel and Democratic challenger Derek Tran battle it out at the general election in November.
Key points:
Dive in:
- Steel, a South Korean immigrant, has held her seat since January 2023. Her 2024 campaign highlights her work against increasing taxes, “reckless” spending policies and “Communist China.” She sets her eyes on creating jobs, fighting crime and securing the borders, among other goals.
- Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, is an army veteran, consumer rights attorney and small business owner who currently serves in the Orange City Traffic Commission. He vows to bring infrastructure funds toward the creation of clean energy jobs, advocate for women’s rights and stand against Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in Congress.
- District 45 includes Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Placentia, Rossmoor, Westminster and parts of Brea, Fullerton, Lakewood and Yorba Linda.
- At 293,495, Asians make up the largest racial group in the district. White (216,276), Black (17,713), Native American (4,406) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (3,978) populations follow, according to latest census figures.
Tangent:
- Another closely-watched congressional race is District 16, where a number of Asian American candidates — including Assemblymember Evan Low (D-26), who finished third (15.9%) — sought to replace retiring Rep. Anna Eshoo. Sam Liccardo and Joe Simitian, also Democrats, will head to the general election after winning 21.8% and 17.9% of the votes, respectively.
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