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.

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.

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,