Democrat Derek Tran emerged victorious in the election for a U.S. House seat representing California, triumphing over incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel on Wednesday. Tran, who has served in the U.S. Army and is the child of Vietnamese refugees, will now take on the responsibility of representing Orange County’s 45th District, an area that boasts a significant Vietnamese American population.

Tran’s win marks a shift in this district’s political landscape, as Steel had successfully captured the seat in 2020, following a Democratic win in the 2018 midterm elections. The musical chairs of party control in this district underscore the competitive nature of California’s political environment.

The announcement of Tran’s victory was made by the Associated Press at 4:03 p.m. EST, solidifying his position in a race that attracted heightened attention due to the demographics and history of the area. As Tran prepares to step into his new role, many are anticipating how his background and experiences will shape his priorities in Congress.