Biography
Derek Truyen Tran is an American attorney, military veteran, and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 45th congressional district since January 3, 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Tran is the first Vietnamese American to represent California in Congress.
Born in Los Angeles County, California, Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees. His father fled Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon in 1975, surviving a harrowing journey that resulted in the loss of his first wife and children when their boat capsized. After returning to Vietnam and remarrying, Tran's parents immigrated to the United States, where they settled in Southern California.
At 18, Tran enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1998 to 2006. Following his military service, he pursued higher education and a career in law, focusing on consumer rights and advocating for underrepresented communities.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance from Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts, 2003.
- Juris Doctor from Glendale University College of Law, Glendale, California, 2013.
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Political Experience:
- Served on the Orange Traffic Commission, addressing long-range transportation and highway planning in Southern California.
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, defeating incumbent Michelle Steel in a highly competitive race.
Notable Achievements and Positions
Military Service: Served in the United States Army from 1998 to 2006, contributing to national defense during the War on Terror.
Legal Career: Founded a law firm specializing in personal injury and employment law, focusing on defending individuals in underrepresented communities and holding corporations accountable.
Small Business Ownership: Co-owns a pharmacy in Orange County with his wife, Michelle, providing low-cost medications to the community and supporting local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccinations and testing.
Community Involvement: Serves on the board of the Consumer Attorneys Association of America and mentors at-risk youth at California’s Sunburst Academy.
Environmental Advocacy: Committed to addressing climate change by promoting sustainable energy production, holding oil and gas companies accountable, and improving transportation infrastructure to create clean energy jobs.
Gun Violence Prevention: Advocates for common-sense gun safety legislation, including universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons, drawing on his military experience to inform his stance on firearm regulations.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Focuses on reducing prescription drug costs, expanding healthcare coverage, and protecting women's reproductive rights, emphasizing healthcare as a fundamental right.
Committee Assignments: In the 119th Congress, serves on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Small Business, contributing to national defense and economic development initiatives.
Tran's diverse background as a veteran, attorney, small business owner, and community leader informs his legislative priorities, aiming to represent and advocate for the diverse constituents of California's 45th district.
