Democrat Derek Tran has defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel for a House seat representing California’s Orange County and Los Angeles, NBC News projects, after a contentious race that centered on the candidates’ Asian American identities and use of aggressive anti-China messaging.

Democrat Derek Tran has declared victory over Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in California’s 45th Congressional District as his lead grows to nearly 600 votes. What he’s saying: If elected, Tran,

In a major victory for Democrats, first-time candidate Derek Tran defeated Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in a hotly contested Orange County congressional race that became one of the most expensive in the country.