On Thursday, Democratic challenger Derek Tran defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in California's 45th Congressional District, narrowing the party's already slim House majority.
Tran lost Steele's margin is less than 600 votes, making this one of the closest House races of the 2024 election cycle. Republicans currently hold 220 seats and Democrats hold 214 seats.
California's 45th Congressional District was also one of 19 Congressional districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 and with a Republican incumbent in 2024.
“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,” Steele said in a post on X on Thursday. Thanks to a great country and God's incredible blessings, I was able to go to college, start a family, and build my own American dream. ”
“I set out on a mission to support first-generation Americans, confront our adversaries, and defend human rights,” Steele continued. “My journey working with legal immigrants and struggling families has taken me to places I never imagined and to the U.S. Congress, for which I will always be grateful.”
Steele was first elected in California's 45th Congressional District in 2022 after California's redistricting, replacing Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter, who currently represents California's 47th Congressional District. Steele also served one term representing California's 48th Congressional District in 2020, prior to redistricting.
“I will never stop fighting for you,” Steele said.
California's 45th Congressional District was also part of the 19th Congress district President Joe Biden won in 2020, leaving a Republican incumbent in 2024.
“I just received a phone call from Congresswoman Michelle Steel asking for concessions and thanking her for her service,” Tran said. said A Thursday post about It will start in earnest.”
“I look forward to once again taking the oath to support and defend the Constitution and begin the next chapter of public service that puts people first,” Tran continued.
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