Rep. Derek Tran advances to general election for California's Congressional District 45

LOS ANGELES - Incumbent Democrat Derek Tran is advancing to the general election in a battle to keep his seat representing a swath of north Orange County and Los Angeles County.

The Associated Press called the outcome shortly after polls closed on Tuesday night.

Tran was a political newcomer when he captured the seat by a little more than 600 votes in 2024 against Michelle Steel, a two-time incumbent Republican. Following redistricting, the once highly competitive seat is slightly safer for Democrats, with the party holding an 8-percentage-point voter registration advantage.

Tran, 45, is an attorney and U.S. Army veteran who runs a pharmacy with his wife, Michelle. He is the son of refugees who fled communist Vietnam and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM.