The Good News first; while there are still a number of votes to count, it appears that Derek Tran will be a new Congressional representative for CA45. His team has declared victory. That said, I still think the Steels will launch a recount and try to invalidate as many votes as possible.
Here’s the statement from hs team:
Derek Tran Wins Race for California’s 45th Congressional District
Garden Grove, CA — Today, U.S. Army Veteran Derek Tran declared victory in California’s 45th District, following a hard-fought campaign in one the most closely watched races of the 2024 cycle. Tran, a consumer rights attorney, small business owner, son of Vietnamese refugees, and father of three young children, attracted national attention as a first-time candidate running against the corrupt political machine of entrenched Republican incumbent Michelle Steel and her political allies in this Orange County centered seat. The race was the most expensive House contest in the country, and Tran’s victory marks a historic moment in a region known for its strong Asian American, Vietnamese American, and Latino communities.
Tran reflected on the significance of this win and his commitment to the values of the voters in the following statement:
“This victory is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life. My parents came to this country to escape oppression and pursue the American Dream, and their story reflects the journey of so many here in Southern California.
Throughout this campaign, I heard from voters who wanted representation that prioritizes our community’s unique challenges. From the need for affordable healthcare and housing to the importance of an economy that includes everyone, people here are looking to the future with hope and determination. I look forward to representing that optimism and working tirelessly to ensure that our communities’ voices are heard in Washington.
I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, and voter who believed in our campaign’s mission. This victory is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. I am honored to represent you and eager to get to work and put people first.”
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The side note here, office assignments have been made. Because this race is taking so long, Tran is likely to get the very nice office Steel has in Washington.
And the bad news….
Somehow, someway, voters have elected Steven Choi to the State Senate over the smart and effective Josh Newman. Here is his statement:
“With the most recent ballot updates, the numbers have made it clear that my campaign no longer has a viable path to a positive outcome in this election.
I want to extend an enormous thank you to all of the supporters, volunteers and donors who powered my campaign to create a better, stronger, and safer California for everyone. Over the course of my tenure, I’ve always aspired to provide thoughtful, accessible and accountable service, and I complete my most recent term very proud of my contributions and accomplishments at both the state and local levels, with a record of active engagement and substantive progress in important areas such as government accountability and electoral transparency; veterans programs and mental health, educational reforms; expansion of recycling and sensible responses to climate change; and the transition to a clean energy economy.
I’m also very proud of my success in securing funding for key local initiatives, to include investments in infrastructure and road repairs; the moderization and expansion of CSUF; local initiatives addressing homelessness; expanding access to care; maintaining cultural institutions; and acquiring and preserving open space.
Politics, especially in today’s hyper-polarized environment, can be a mean and messy business, but I still believe that public service is among the noblest of callings. I’m profoundly grateful to have had this privilege of serving the people and cities of this area as a member of the California State Senate, and I want to offer my congratulations to Steven Choi on his election and wish him the very best of luck as he prepares to serve the constituents of the 37th District as their State Senator.”
Is it too early to say “Newman for Congress in CA-40 for 2026”?
Whats the weird news?
Michelle Steel might not be considering a recount; she has already filed to run for election to CA-45 in 2026!
Vern is taking credit for Trans success. But does Derrick know what he’s getting into???
https://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2022/04/and-here-comes-anaheims-be-well-van-our-marshall-moncrief-interview/
OR
https://www.ocregister.com/2024/11/25/orange-county-fires-non-profit-mind-oc-from-providing-mental-health-services-at-a-second-site/
Sounds like Vern and Donna are trying to break into the Anaheim Homeless Peoples Task force gravy train. What di Ike say “Military Industrial Complex”, The Nelson’s want to jump on the homeless $$$$$$ Gravy Train. Follow the report, follow his blogging….
TW
Vern is an unemployable, no talent mooch. You’re right, he’s been humping the leg of the homeless industrial complex for years now.
Vern Said on April 22, 2022:
“Since my wife Donna Acevedo-Nelson was the main driving force in getting Anaheim to make this move, we were invited by Marshall Moncrief (the CEO of MindOC, which is the nonprofit that operates Be Well) to tour their Orange campus, which has been in operation a year now. This was in the middle of last week’s heat wave…”
Now the dude’s heading to prison…..
I think that’s a different Marshall Moncrief; but post of link if you can find one
Special request for OC Mind, Be Well and Groundswell!!! The blue bus is calling us. The blue bus is calling us.
https://youtu.be/OeEzmPs7i_U