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.

The 45th District was among the country's most competitive races, critical to both parties as they battled to control the House of Representatives

Democrats have taken control of California's 45th Congressional District from the GOP, with Republican Rep. Michelle Steel losing her Orange County House seat to Democrat Derek Tran, CBS News projects.