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 vote count that concluded Monday evening showed Tran’s lead edged upward from 545 votes to 581 in the 45th Congressional District race.
Tran led 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.
Tran, a consumer rights attorney and co-owner of an Anaheim pharmacy with his wife Michelle, trailed 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%.
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 sought a third term, issued a concession statement on social media Wednesday.
“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. Because of the opportunities offered by this great country, and God’s great blessings, I was able to go to college, start a family, and build my own American Dream. I embarked on a mission to assist First Generation Americans, stand up to our adversaries, and defend human rights.
“The journey to work on behalf of legal immigrants and struggling families took me somewhere I never could have imagined — and for which I will always be grateful — the United States Congress. Everything is God’s will and, like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin.”
Steel thanked her supporters, campaign volunteers, congressional staff members and family for their support, “and, to the voters, thank you. I will never stop fighting for you,” she said.
The concession came on the first day in more than a week and a half that Tran’s lead did not increase. He lost 17 votes following the latest count, leaving him with a 596-vote lead, according to election results released Wednesday.
Tran had a 613-vote lead in the race Tuesday.
Tran led 158,104-157,508, 50.1% to 49.9% of the vote, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
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 220 seats as of Dec. 2, two over the 218 needed for a majority, the Associated Press reported. Democrats have 214 seats, and one race was 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.
Updated Dec. 2, 2024, 10:17 a.m.
