The Votes Are In!
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View Winners → Politics Nov 26, 2024
Derek Tran. | Photo courtesy of Derek Tran for Congress
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Democrat Derek Tran declared victory Monday after an additional 36 votes increased his lead over incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Cypress.
The latest vote count that concluded Monday evening showed Tran’s lead edged upward from 545 votes to 581 in the 45th Congressional District race.
Tran leads 157,622-157,041, or 50.1% to 49.9% of the vote, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office.
Tran gained 26 votes in his lead over Steel following Saturday’s count in Orange County, the Registrar of Voters reported. No ballots from the Los Angeles County areas of the district were counted Saturday. No ballots were counted Sunday.
Ballot processing in the LA County section of the district will resume Tuesday, according to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office.
Tran, a consumer rights attorney and co-owner of an Anaheim pharmacy with his wife Michelle, trails in Orange County 142,219-138,586 votes, or 50.65%-49.35%. He leads in the LA County portion — Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens and a section of Lakewood — 19,036-14,822, or 56.2%- 43.8%.
While the margin is still very slim, Tran released a statement Monday proclaiming victory.
“This victory is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community,” Tran said. “As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life. My parents came to this country to escape oppression and pursue the American Dream, and their story reflects the journey of so many here in Southern California.
“Throughout this campaign, I heard from voters who wanted representation that prioritizes our community’s unique challenges. From the need for affordable healthcare and housing to the importance of an economy that includes everyone, people here are looking to the future with hope and determination. I look forward to representing that optimism and working tirelessly to ensure that our communities’ voices are heard in Washington.
“I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, and voter who believed in our campaign’s mission. This victory is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. I am honored to represent you and eager to get to work and put people first.”
Steel, who is seeking a third term, or her campaign have not commented on the race publicly since Nov. 4, the day before Election Day.
Tran led by 519 votes entering vote counting Saturday, 480 votes entering Friday, 397 votes entering Thursday, 314 entering Wednesday and 102 at the start of ballot processing Tuesday. His first lead posted Nov. 16, moving ahead by 36 votes after trailing by 11,363 on Nov. 6.
On Nov. 8 Tran trailed by 7,590 votes, 6,901 Nov. 9, 6,128 Nov. 10 when only ballots from LA County were processed, 3,908 Nov. 11, 2,227 Nov. 12, 349 Nov. 13, 236 Nov. 14, and 58 Nov. 15.
The number of ballots remaining to be counted was not known.
House Republicans attained 219 seats as of Tuesday, one over the 218 needed for a majority, the Associated Press reported. Democrats have 213 seats, and three races are still undecided.
Republicans won 53 seats in the Senate, gaining four. Democrats lost four and have 47 Senate seats.
The GOP also won 27 of the 50 governorships that were up for grabs this election.
