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Former California Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel will not be seeking another term in Congress.
The Republican, who lost by just over 600 votes in November to Rep. Derek Tran after serving two terms in the House, said she’s pursuing other political goals.
“I have other goals that, you know what, I’m having so much fun, and I work on President Trump’s agenda right now. And I was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to that Asian-American coalition, so I want to help Asian-Americans in this country and then plus other Asian countries,” the Republican, who sits on the board of directors of the Lincoln Club, said.
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GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, left, and challenger Derek Tran, right (Getty Images)
Her decision not to run will likely open the door to a competitive Republican primary and a multimillion-dollar general election race in 2026.
“I can serve much better [with] what I’m doing right now,” she said, turning down the possibility of seeking another elected office.
Steel, along with Reps. Young Kim and Marilyn Strickland, were the first Korean-American women in Congress, and Steel is a first-generation American. Steel said fundraising and connecting with the different ethnic communities in the district is key to a Republican seeking to win the seat back, noting that a large portion are “first generations” like her.
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Migrants arrive at a makeshift camp after crossing the nearby border with Mexico near the Jacumba Hot Springs Feb. 23, 2024, in San Diego. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
“I totally understand what they have to go through as a first generation, so that’s really important. Go through community by community, and you have to listen exactly what they are asking for to settle in America. This is a great country. You know what,…
