Democrat Derek Tran managed to flip a House seat in California, while Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks held on in Iowa as the final round of races were called, as the US moves closer to determining how big the majority will be Republicans in the House. year.
The race in Iowa’s 1st congressional district was called by the Associated Press on Wednesday after a recount confirmed the Republican congresswoman would maintain her lead there.
Miller-Meeks was in a tight race against Democrat Christina Bohannan, with a lead of less than 800 votes more than three weeks after Election Day.
The Associated Press also called the race in California’s 45th Congressional District for Derek Tran on Wednesday after results slowly trickled in.
Tran defeated GOP Congresswoman Michelle Steel by just over 600 votes in one of the most competitive and expensive races in the country.
The latest election results bring the balance of power in the House of Representatives to 220 seats for the Republicans compared to 214 seats for the Democrats.
GOP Congresswoman Miller-Meeks was declared the winner of her race in Iowa on Wednesday after a recount, while Democrat Derek Tran flipped a Southern California district
Tran declared victory in the Southern California race on Monday before it was decided in his favor.
The district includes parts of Orange County and Los Angeles and has the largest Vietnamese community in the country.
“This victory is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community,” Tran said in a statement.
“As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life.”
Tran pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the voices of his communities are heard in Washington.
“During this campaign, I heard from voters who wanted representation that prioritizes our community’s unique challenges,” he continued.
“From the need for affordable health care and housing to the importance of an inclusive economy, people here look to the future with hope and determination.”
Derek Tran is an Army veteran and attorney who won the race to represent the district, including parts of Orange County and Los Angeles, by just over 600 votes
Tran ousted Congresswoman Michelle Steel, who has served in Congress since 2021
Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel has represented the district since 2021 when she marked the red.
Steel, an immigrant from South Korea, released what appeared to be a concession statement on Wednesday, but she did not acknowledge either her opponent or the race itself.
“The journey to work on behalf of legal immigrants and struggling families took me to a place I never imagined – and for which I will always be grateful – the United States Congress,” she said.
“Everything is the will of God and like all journeys, this one ends so that a new one begins,” she continued.
Steel thanked her family, team and supporters and vowed she would “never stop fighting” for them.
Congresswoman Mariannetta Miller-Meeks was declared the winner of the race in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District after a recount
Democrat Christina Bohannan congratulated Congresswoman Miller-Meeks on her victory after the recount showed she lost by 798 votes
Meanwhile, a House race in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District was called for the Republican incumbent after a recount certified the results.
Miller-Meeks, a physician and veteran, has served in the House of Representatives since 2021, first representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District before being redistricted. She also previously served in the Iowa Senate.
Her win comes after a rematch with Bohannan, who also challenged Miller-Meeks in the 2022 midterm elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, Miller-Meeks blasted her opponent for pushing for the recount that she said cost Iowa taxpayers $20,000.
“I am deeply honored that the recount has been completed and that I have once again secured my re-election so that I can continue to serve the hardworking people of Southeast Iowa,” she said in a statement.
Miller-Meeks won by 798 votes after all 20 counties in the district completed the recount.
Bohannan released a video Wednesday thanking all her supporters and congratulating Miller-Meeks on her win.
She said she hopes the congresswoman will listen to Iowans and deliver for them.
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With two more races called, Republicans have a six-seat lead in the House of Representatives, giving them one of the smallest majorities to advance an ambitious agenda starting in January, when the Republican Party will form a trifecta hold in Washington.
Speaker Mike Johnson won the Republican nomination on Nov. 13 to remain in the top position after determining his party will remain in power, but the Louisiana lawmaker will have his work cut out for him as he tries to overhaul his party’s council next year to keep.
Since newly elected President Donald Trump won the presidential race on November 5, he has not made Johnson’s job any easier. He has captured the Republican House majority by nominating several members to positions in his incoming administration, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York and Congressman Mike Waltz of Florida.
Trump also nominated former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who promptly resigned from the House of Representatives, but has since withdrawn his name as a nominee for attorney general.
Their seats in the House of Representatives will remain vacant until a special election can be held to choose replacements.