California Democrat unseats Michelle Steel while Iowa's Miller-Meeks secures reelection: AP

A California Democrat on Wednesday officially unseated incumbent GOP Rep. Michelle Steel in the state's 45th House district, and Iowa incumbent GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks secured her reelection, the Associated Press reported.

Miller-Meeks' victory was a rematch against her 2022 opponent Democrat Christina Bohannan. The congresswoman defeated Bohannan by seven percentage points in 2022, but by less than 1,000 votes in 2024, according to AP. The Iowa race triggered a recount, which was just completed.

The victory on Wednesday comes weeks after the general election, which saw Republicans flip the White House and Senate, and narrowly retain control of the House. Republicans now control the House in a 220-214 split. 

"I humbly thank the election officials, volunteers, and recount boards who worked tirelessly, even during this Holiday week," Miller-Meeks wrote in a post on X. "I’m honored & looking forward to get back to work in DC to lower prices at the pump, grocery store & prescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers."

In California, Democrat Derek Tran defeated Steel in a close race in Orange County. The race is considered the most expensive in the House this election cycle, with the campaigns and outside groups together spending at least $46 million, according to Politico. 

Steel conceded the election in a statement on X, stating that although her journey in the House was ending, a "new one" is beginning. 

"I owe a debt of gratitude to my supporters, my staff, my family, my daughters and especially my husband, Shawn, for standing by me through endless campaigns," she wrote. "To my volunteers, we would never have made it this far without your tireless efforts. And to the voters, thank you. I will never stop fighting for you."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.