Rouda Concedes To Steel, GOP Retakes 48th District Seat

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) - Incumbent Orange County Congressman Harley Rouda conceded Tuesday in the race for the 48th Congressional District seat.

The first-term Democrat said his "campaign ends today" against Republican Michelle Steel, the chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

SANTA ANA, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel participates in a press conference in Santa Ana, CA announcing the Stigma Free OC campaign to promote mental health and suicide prevention services on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Steel is in a battle with Democratic incumbent Rep. Harley Rouda for the 48th congressional district. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

The district includes Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Seal Beach and parts of Garden Grove, Midway City, Aliso Viejo, Santa Ana and Westminster.

"We did not win this election. And while it isn't the outcome we had hoped for, it's never been more important for our leaders to hear the voice of the people, and to accept their judgment. I do," said Rouda.

There was no immediate comment from Steel, who during her campaign said that she ran to prove a "strong voice in Washington, D.C., who will honor promises made and stand up for us and our values."

Tom Emmer, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, issued a statement congratulating Steel: "California's 48th District finally has a congresswoman who puts her constituents first. I look forward to her tireless work on behalf of Orange County.''