Five Asian American Candidates Competing for Congress in Orange County District

Derek Tran Makes History with Election in Congressional District 45

Derek Tran has made history as the first Vietnamese American elected to represent Congressional District 45, securing his position in a tightly contested race in 2024. Tran triumphed over former Representative Michelle Steel, winning by just 653 votes.

Little Saigon in Westminster has long been home to a significant community of Vietnamese refugees and Vietnamese Americans, cementing the political influence of this ethnic group in both the city and the larger California district. As residents navigate the streets of Little Saigon, they encounter numerous campaign signs for five Vietnamese Americans vying for the Congressional seat, which encompasses Westminster, Garden Grove, Cerritos, and Buena Park.

“I’m not done serving my community. That’s why I’m in this race to run for reelection,” Tran stated, reflecting on his commitment to public service. The son of Vietnamese refugees, Tran’s background played a pivotal role in his previous campaign, contributing to his success against Steel, a Korean American immigrant. “That was a big part of Derek Tran’s story in his first campaign for this seat. That really seemed to help make the difference in a really tight race,” noted Dustin Gardiner, co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook.

As he seeks reelection, Tran, a Democrat, faces a competitive field that includes several Republican challengers, many of whom share his Vietnamese heritage. Among them is Chuong Vo, a retired police officer and former Cerritos mayor, who has garnered support from notable Republican figures, including State Senator Tony Strickland. “We truly believe we worked so hard to flee a communist party to come here for American values,” Vo expressed.

Local officials are divided on the matter, with some emphasizing the need for conservative representation within the Vietnamese American community. Chi Charlie Nguyen, the mayor of Westminster and a Congressional candidate, argues that his extensive public service experience qualifies him as the best choice. Council member Amy Phan West, also in the race, highlights pressing affordability issues, particularly rising housing costs.

The recent approval of Proposition 50 has altered the electoral landscape, allowing for redistricting that has benefited Democrats across California. Congressional District 45 has now incorporated more areas from LA County, including parts of Lakewood and northern Orange County. Currently, Asian Americans make up approximately 40% of the district’s 750,000 voters, while Latinos account for up to 30%, according to voting data.

“I think the stories we each bring are our own, and I do think at the end of the day, our community is going to vote on not just that we are Vietnamese American. They are going to look at our experience,” Tran remarked. This sentiment may resonate with voters, many of whom express dissatisfaction with the current political climate in Washington, D.C. Gardiner observed that, while Tran’s narrative may not be as central this time, other political dynamics, including shifting voter sentiments and the district’s evolving demographics, will play a crucial role.

Heading into the June primary, Tran appears to have a significant fundraising advantage, having nearly doubled the combined totals raised by his opponents. The crowded Republican field presents another potential challenge; Gardiner noted the lack of a coordinated approach among GOP candidates. “I think a lot of political analysts are wondering why Republicans haven’t had a more organized coordinated approach to this race. Why did they not consolidate around one candidate?”

The primary will culminate with the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advancing to the November election.