Former California Republican Representative Michelle Steele has announced she will not seek another term in Congress. After serving two terms, she recently lost a close race to Rep. Derek Tran by just over 600 votes. Steele expressed her desire to focus on other political aspirations.
She mentioned, “I have other goals. And I have been appointed by Chairman Mike Johnson to that Asian American coalition, so I want to help Asian Americans in this country.” On a related note, she commented on the lack of enthusiasm regarding a possible gubernatorial run by Kamala Harris, citing perspectives from California donors.
Steele’s decision could pave the way for a possibly competitive Republican primary and an expensive general election in 2026. “I can serve better with what I’m doing now,” she added. Alongside fellow Congresswomen Young Kim and Marilyn Strickland, Steele was one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and emphasizes the importance of community connections, especially among first-generation Americans like herself.
In discussing her stance on immigration, Steele highlighted the misunderstandings tied to illegal immigration viewpoints from Democrats. “People were blaming me, ‘You’re a first-generation immigrant, and then you’re actually trying to abuse and arrest the first generation,’ I said, ‘No, this is about illegal criminals,'” she stated. She believes that deportation of dangerous individuals is essential for U.S. security.
Her choice not to run may also relate to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s potential moves to rezone and block Republican interests in the state. Steele remarked, “I read this morning that all Democrats are coming to California while all Republicans are leaving. They really need to evaluate what is truly beneficial for Californians.” She expressed a commitment to improving conditions in California, noting her concerns about the current leadership and its impact on residents.
