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Battle for Vietnamese American Vote Heats Up in California’s 45th District

The race for California’s 45th district is intensifying as both candidates, Michelle Steel and Derek Tran, vie for the crucial Vietnamese American vote in Little Saigon. With both invoking their immigrant backgrounds, the battle reflects the deep political significance of this community in shaping the district’s future.

Lead Art: Michelle Steel speaks during the California GOP fall convention in Indian Wells, California. | Chris Carlson/AP

The Battle for the Vietnamese American Vote in Orange County

In California’s 45th congressional district, the race for the Vietnamese American vote has become a key battleground. Little Saigon, a community forged by immigrants fleeing communist regimes, holds significant influence in this Orange County district, and both candidates are vying to secure its support.


Republican Michelle Steel’s Controversial Comments

Republican Rep. Michelle Steel, who is Korean American, recently stirred controversy by claiming she was “more Vietnamese” than her Democratic opponent, Derek Tran, who is of Vietnamese descent. In a Vietnamese-language interview, Steel suggested that while Tran has a Vietnamese last name, she better understands the community’s needs. Her remarks quickly drew criticism, including from Tran himself, who took issue with Steel’s portrayal of their immigrant backgrounds.


Derek Tran’s Response and Critique of Steel’s Background

Democratic candidate Derek Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, has pushed back against Steel’s comments, framing his family’s experience as one deeply rooted in fleeing communism. In contrast, Tran pointed out that Steel’s family immigrated from Korea to the U.S. for economic reasons, not as refugees. This personal critique reflects the growing tensions in the race as both candidates appeal to the same key voter demographic.


Little Saigon: A Politically Charged Community

Much like Little Havana in Miami, Little Saigon’s political landscape has been shaped by its immigrant population’s painful memories of communism. For years, Republican candidates have leveraged this fear of communism, particularly in China and Vietnam, to win over voters. As both Steel and Tran position themselves as the most credible advocate for this community, Little Saigon’s vote may decide the district’s outcome.

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