**Derek Tran Triumphs in Tightly Contested California House Race**

A closely watched California House seat has been taken by Derek Tran, a Democratic newcomer, following a fierce and drawn-out vote count. Tran narrowly defeated the incumbent GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, who ceded the race on Wednesday after the final tallies showed Tran with a lead of approximately 600 votes.

Michelle Steel, a two-term congresswoman, had been a formidable opponent for Democrats. She represented an Orange County district known for its diverse electorate that supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. This tight race turned out to be the most expensive House battle in the nation, with campaign expenditures and external group contributions totaling at least $46 million.

The Democrats had high hopes that Tran's unique background would resonate well within the district. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, Tran aimed to connect with the district's influential Asian American demographic, especially the Vietnamese community that had previously shown strong support for Steel, who is Korean American. Tran's campaign focused on criticizing Steel for her past endorsement of a national abortion ban, a stance he believed was out of step with the district's voters.

In response, Steel targeted Tran's professional history, highlighting specific cases where he represented politically unpopular clients in wrongful termination disputes. Despite these attacks, Tran's strategy of leveraging his personal history and focusing on key issues ultimately paid off, allowing him to secure a narrow yet significant victory.