Derek Tran (left) and Michelle Steel (right)
Derek Tran declared victory on Monday in the fiercely contested race for California’s 45th congressional district, maintaining a narrow lead of 581 votes over Rep. Michelle Steel.
If elected, Tran would become the first Vietnamese American to represent the district, home to the nation’s largest Vietnamese community.
Steel, a Republican, has not conceded. Both candidates are preparing for the possibility of a recount, and both campaigns are working to address issues with flagged ballots, including missing signatures or incorrect information, through a process known as “ballot curing.” Voters have until Dec. 1 to resolve any ballot issues.
The race, one of the closest in the nation, remains uncalled by The Associated Press.