Rouda Concedes Defeat In 48th District Battle, Calls For Unity

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — First Term Congressman Harley Rouda, a Democrat, has conceded defeat in his closely-contested race for the 48th District to his Republican challenger Tuesday.

Though vote-counting from the Nov. 3 election was still underway, Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, a Republican, has expanded her narrow lead, creating a gap that Rouda could not overcome. A traditionally Republican stronghold with Dana Rohrabacher at the helm since 1989, Rouda won the 48th District for the Democratic Party in 2018. At that time, he defeated Rohrabacher with 53.6% of the vote. During that election, Democrats swept all of Orange County's congressional seats.

"We did not win this election," Rouda said in his concession message. "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."

While conceding the election, Rouda criticized what he described as an unfounded smear campaign by Steel, saying it has contributed to American politics' divisive nature.

"There is a toxicity to American politics threatening the very democracy that sets us apart from the rest of the world. That has to change," Rouda said. "Politics that tears America apart and turns us against each other is unsustainable. We saw it firsthand in this election. My opponent made allegations about me that were complete fabrications — some totally made up, others wild distortions, and still others torn from the darkest corners of the Internet. Either we change the way we do politics, or it will forever change us and this country we call home.

"We are not Republicans. We are not Democrats. We are not enemies. We are Americans. All of us. Even when we disagree, and we ought to have a political system that is built on facts, rewards honesty, and strengthens the bonds that tie us to each other, rather than ripping them to shreds."

Steel answered back with her declaration of victory,acknowledging that though the government is once again divided, she "stands ready to work with both parties to do what's best for the American people, including getting our economy moving again," she said in a statement.

"In this election, you weren't simply voting for a person, but also for the idea that the American Dream is alive and well in Orange County. This vote showed that minorities who may look or speak differently than most not only have a place in this Republican Party but can be elected to the United States Congress," she said.

Steel vowed to "fight for lower taxes, help our small business and their workers, and defeat the coronavirus."

She said Rouda ran a "spirited campaign, and I thank him for his service."

On Rouda's side of the campaign, commercials casting Steel and her family in a harsh light were run by his supporters. As for his own campaign, Rouda wanted to debate Steel on issues, though she allegedly refused to do so.

Though there was no immediate comment back from Steel, Tom Emmer, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, issued a statement of congratulations.

"California's 48th District finally has a congresswoman who puts her constituents first," Emmer said. "I look forward to her tireless work on behalf of Orange County."

As of Tuesday morning a mere 7,346 votes separated the two campaigns. Steel had 50.9% of the vote, claiming 197,256 votes than Rouda's 189,910 votes, or 49.1%.