Derek Tran Kicks Off Pride Month with Endorsements from Equality California & Equality PAC

Jun

2024

PRESS RELEASE

Derek Tran Kicks Off Pride Month with Endorsements from Equality California & Equality PAC

Garden Grove, CA — As Pride Month begins, Democratic congressional candidate Derek Tran proudly announces the endorsement of Equality PAC and Equality California. The 45th District, which is home to the largest Vietnamese community in the country, is currently represented by corrupt MAGA Republican Michelle Steel. Her consistent votes against the interests of middle-class Southern California families, local pay-to-play schemes and sweetheart deals beneficial to her wealthy campaign donors, and extreme LGBTQ crusades have made her one of the most corrupt and vulnerable Republican members of Congress.

“Michelle Steel’s actions and voting record demonstrate a complete disregard for the fundamental rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Derek Tran. “We need leaders who will fight for every Americans’ right to equality and justice, not those who pander to far-right extremists. My commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is unwavering, and I will continue to champion policies that protect and empower every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Michelle Steel’s record on LGBTQ+ rights is appalling. She was the lone county supervisor to vote against funding the Orange County Human Relations Commission, even as hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community surged. In Congress, has consistently voted against bills protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, including the Equality Act. Steel even bragged about withdrawing her daughter from the school for expressing support for gay marriage, a move that drew backlash from human rights leaders.

Derek Tran’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights is both personal and professional. He supported his younger brother and niece when they came out and has fought for queer individuals in discrimination and wrongful termination cases as a consumer rights attorney. In Congress, Tran plans to champion legislation to correct less-than-honorable discharges for LGBTQ+ service members, federally codify the right to marry, and restrict federal funding for institutions that do not provide gender-affirming care.

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California’s 45th is a Congressional District representing portions of Orange and Los Angeles Counties in Southern California. A majority-minority district, the District has the second largest AAPI population (36.97%) of any Congressional District, and the largest Vietnamese community in the country. President Biden won the current district lines by +6 points and it has a +6 point Democratic registration advantage. It includes all or part of the Cities of Garden Grove, Westminster, Cerritos, Buena Park, Placentia, Hawaiian Gardens, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Artesia, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Brea, Lakewood, and Fullerton, as well as the unincorporated community of Rossmoor.

The DCCC has endorsed Derek Tran as part of its “Red To Blue” program.

Use of Derek Tran's military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Dept. of Defense or U.S. Army.