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

Derek Tran defeated Rep. Michelle Steel in California’s 45th congressional district, The Associated Press called Wednesday afternoon. Steel, a two-term incumbent, conceded to Derek Tran Wednesday, Nov. 27, after a long slog of a race, shortly before the race was called around 1 p.m.