OC Political

Defeated Congressman Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach)

Congresswoman-Elect Michelle Steel (R-Surfside)

After Congressman Harley Rouda released his concession statement this morning, Congresswoman-Elect Michelle Steel declared victory, becoming the first California Republican to defeat an incumbent Congressional Democrat in over a quarter of a century:

Steel Declares Victory in CA-48
First Korean-American Woman Elected to Congress
A Republican has not defeated an incumbent Democrat Member of Congress in California since 1994

Huntington Beach, CA – Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, declared victory today in the race for California’s 48^th Congressional District:

“To the voters of Orange County, thank you for entrusting me to be your representative in Congress. In this election, you weren’t simply voting for a person, but also for the idea that the American Dream is alive and well in Orange County. This vote showed that minorities who may look or speak differently than most not only have a place in this Republican Party but can be elected to the United States Congress.

“After watching my mother fight an unfair tax bill, I realized that an overbearing government bureaucracy is an impediment to the success of small business owners, first generations, and all taxpayers who simply want a shot at the American Dream.

“Taxpayers need an advocate, someone who works on their behalf, and my promise to Orange County families, my number one priority is to fight for lower taxes, help our small businesses and their workers, and defeat the Coronavirus.

“Our government is once again divided, but I stand ready to work with both parties to do what’s best for the American people including getting our economy moving again.

“I thank my husband Shawn, our daughters Cheyenne and Siobhan, for their unwavering support.

“To the hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and my devoted campaign team who spent countless hours on this effort, I know there is no way this could have happened without your hard work.

“I want to acknowledge Congressman Rouda for running a spirited campaign, and I thank him for his service.

“Thank you to all of Orange County for putting your faith in me, I will not let you down.”