First-time Democratic candidate and Army veteran Derek Tran defeated Trump-supporting Rep. Michelle Steele in California's 45th Congressional District, making it one of the Golden State's hottest races, according to the Associated Press. He won in the constituency where he was considered.
Tran challenged Steele in a traditionally conservative district that has become somewhat of a battleground in recent years. The district covers parts of Orange County, including Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Garden Grove.
The voting demographic is primarily Asian American.
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Republican Rep. Michelle Steele (left) and challenger Derek Tran (right) (Getty Images)
Steele was first elected to the House of Representatives in the neighboring 48th District in 2020, defeating incumbent Democrat Harley Rhoda and turning the district red.
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In 2018, Democrat Katie Porter defeated Republican incumbent Mimi Waters, turning the district deep blue.
Mr. Steele regained his seat in 2020 and continued to hold it by a narrow margin in 2022, making CA-45 one of the Republican-dominated districts that President Biden won in 2020 by about 6 percentage points.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
