GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, left, and challenger Derek Tran, right (Getty Images)
Her decision not to run will likely open the door to a competitive Republican primary and a multimillion-dollar general election race in 2026.
"I can serve much better [with] what I'm doing right now," she said, turning down the possibility of seeking another elected office.
Steel, along with Reps. Young Kim and Marilyn Strickland, were the first Korean-American women in Congress, and Steel is a first-generation American. Steel said fundraising and connecting with the different ethnic communities in the district is key to a Republican seeking to win the seat back, noting that a large portion are "first generations" like her.
DEM GOVERNOR HOPEFULS VOW TO RESIST TRUMP AS CALIFORNIA CHAOS BECOMES NJ CAMPAIGN ISSUE
Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., attends a hearing, "Calling for Accountability: Stopping Antisemitic College Chaos" before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Capitol Hill May 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)
"We really have to do the better message because, especially first generations, and you know what I heard few calling from outside of this country. They said, 'Oh my God, they're arresting all these immigrants, even their citizens.' I said, 'That's not really true. When they commit serious crimes, yes, we kick them out because that's for the safety, and, you know, safety for the Americans.' That's the reason that we are doing."
Her decision comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom is floating the possibility of redistricting in the Golden State to thwart any potential Republican seat gains in Texas.
"Two can play this game," he posted to X July 15.
Rep. Michelle Steel speaks to supporters at her campaign office in Buena Park, Calif., Sept. 26, 2022. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
"I just read this morning that all the Democrats are coming into California, and all the Republicans are leaving. You know, they have to really see this trade that exactly what's going to be helpful for Californians. California is such a beautiful state. And I live in California. I still want to save California," Steel said.
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"She doesn't understand. He doesn't understand exactly what they have to do to make California better," she said of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom.
"So, I really want to stop those people that they are hurting. Not just California, but Californian people, that they are very much against these politicians. I hope they already hit the bottom, so in next year’s election, hopefully, a Republican is going to win."
Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-blue-state-gop-lawmaker-reveals-why-not-seeking-re-election-other-goals