Michelle Steel is a name that resonates with many in American politics, especially within the Korean-American community. Born on June 21, 1955, in South Korea, Steel's journey from an immigrant to a U.S. Representative is nothing short of inspiring. Her family moved to Japan before settling in downtown Los Angeles, where they opened a clothing store. Steel's early experiences, particularly her mother's struggles with tax laws, fueled her passion for public service. She has served on the California State Board of Equalization, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and now represents California's 45th congressional district. Steel's career is marked by her commitment to conservative values, her advocacy for small businesses, and her trailblazing role as one of the first Korean-American women in Congress.
Key Takeaways:
- Michelle Steel, the first Korean-American woman in Congress, overcame immigration challenges and broke barriers in American politics. Her conservative values and legislative initiatives have left a lasting impact on the country.
- From her early life in South Korea to her trailblazing career in Congress, Michelle Steel's commitment to community service and advocacy for conservative values have shaped her impactful legacy in American politics.
Early Life and Immigration
Michelle Steel's journey began far from the halls of Congress. Her early life set the stage for her future in American politics.
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Birth and Early Life: Born on June 21, 1955, in South Korea, Michelle Steel's parents fled North Korea during the Korean War. Her family later moved to Japan, where she was raised.
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Immigration to the United States: Encouraged by her father to become fluent in English, Steel immigrated to the U.S. with her mother and younger sisters, settling in downtown Los Angeles.
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Family Background: Steel's father was a diplomat. Her mother and younger sisters joined her in America, opening a clothing store in downtown Los Angeles, which became a significant part of their entrepreneurial journey.
Education and Early Influences
Steel's educational background and early influences played a crucial role in shaping her political career.
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Education: While specific details about Steel's educational background are not widely documented, her experiences as an immigrant and her drive to succeed suggest a strong educational foundation.
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Career in Politics: Steel's entry into politics was influenced by her mother's struggles with navigating tax laws and state regulations as a non-English speaker. This experience motivated her to run for public office.
Political Career Beginnings
Michelle Steel's political career began with significant roles in California's state and local government.
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State Board of Equalization: In 2007, Steel was elected to the California State Board of Equalization, representing over nine million residents, including all of Orange County. She was the highest-ranking Korean-American elected official in the U.S. at the time.
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Orange County Board of Supervisors: From 2015 to 2021, Steel served as a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 2nd district. She was also the chairwoman of the board in 2017 and again in 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Steel's actions and stances garnered significant attention.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Steel opposed mandatory face masks in Orange County. She voted against requiring face coverings for retail employees and opposed mask mandates in public schools, questioning their efficacy in preventing the virus spread.
Congressional Career
Steel's move to Congress marked a significant milestone in her political journey.
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Redistricting and Congressional Career: In 2020, due to redistricting, Steel announced her candidacy for California's 45th congressional district. She won the election in 2022 and has been serving in Congress since then, previously representing the 48th congressional district from 2021 to 2023.
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Party Affiliation: Steel is a member of the Republican Party and has been endorsed by prominent Republican leaders such as Kevin McCarthy and Young Kim.
Breaking Barriers
Michelle Steel has broken barriers and achieved significant milestones in her career.
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First Korean-American Women in Congress: Along with Young Kim and Marilyn Strickland, Steel became one of the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress. This milestone highlights her significant contributions to diversity in American politics.
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Election Victories: In 2020, Steel defeated incumbent Democrat Harley Rouda in the 48th congressional district with 51.1% of the vote. In 2022, she won the election for the 45th congressional district.
Campaign Finance and Endorsements
Steel's campaigns have been marked by successful fundraising and notable endorsements.
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Campaign Finance: Steel has been successful in fundraising, raising over $1.3 million in cash-on-hand during her 2020 campaign. She has also loaned her campaign about $1.9 million, according to financial disclosures.
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Endorsements: Steel has received endorsements from various local organizations and prominent figures, including the National Federation of Independent Business and the Lincoln Club of Orange County.
Committee Assignments
In Congress, Steel serves on several important committees.
- Committee Assignments: In Congress, Steel serves on several committees, including the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Education and Workforce, and the Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
Personal Life
Michelle Steel's personal life and values have also influenced her political career.
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Marriage and Family: Steel has been married to her husband Shawn for 39 years. They have two adult daughters. Her husband, Shawn Steel, is a former chairman of the California Republican Party.
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Personal Values: Steel's campaign platform has included opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and the creation of a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. She has aligned herself with conservative values and has been endorsed by conservative leaders.
COVID-19 Advocacy
Steel's personal experience with COVID-19 influenced her advocacy efforts.
- COVID-19 Advocacy: Steel tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2021 and referenced her mild symptoms to advocate for opening up schools and businesses. She called for the reopening of schools in California early in 2021.
Voting Record
Steel's voting record reflects her conservative stance on various issues.
- Voting Record: Steel did not vote on the certification of Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. She voted against the second impeachment of Donald Trump on January 13, 2021. She also voted against the Equality Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Legislative Initiatives
Steel has introduced several bills aimed at addressing various issues.
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Legislative Initiatives: Steel has introduced several bills aimed at strengthening state plan requirements for mental health and well-being in foster care, ensuring labor organization transparency and accountability, and promoting innovation in America.
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H.R.8643 – Mental Health Bill: One of her notable bills, H.R.8643, aims to amend subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to strengthen state plan requirements for comprehensive mental health and well-being in foster care.
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H.R.8367 – Labor Transparency Bill: Another bill, H.R.8367, seeks to ensure labor organization transparency and accountability by being referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
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H.R.8184 – Innovation Act: Steel also introduced H.R.8184, known as the Growing and Preserving Innovation in America Act of 2024, which was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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Telehealth Services Bill: H.R.7863 aims to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on furnishing behavioral health services via telehealth to individuals with limited English proficiency under the Medicare program.
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Bureaucracy Reduction Bill: H.R.7449, known as the Reduce Bureaucracy to Uplift Families Act, was introduced to reduce bureaucracy and uplift families by being referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Campaign Controversies
Steel's campaigns have not been without controversy.
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Political Endorsements: Steel has received endorsements from various local organizations and prominent figures, including Crime Survivors PAC, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Lincoln Club of Orange County.
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Campaign Controversies: In the 2024 election, Steel's campaign has been criticized for its use of "red-baiting" tactics, linking her Democratic opponent Derek Tran to Mao Zedong and socialism. Tran has accused Steel of using dirty tricks and inflammatory rhetoric to target Asian Americans.
Cultural Sensitivity
Steel's campaign has faced criticism regarding cultural sensitivity.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The controversy surrounding Steel's campaign highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in politics. Steel has been criticized for her response to accusations that she is not Vietnamese enough, despite her parents being from South Korea and her being raised in Japan.
Community Service
Steel's commitment to community service has been a hallmark of her career.
- Community Service: Throughout her career, Steel has been committed to serving her community. She has worked tirelessly to protect the Orange County coastline and help families and businesses fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legacy
Michelle Steel's legacy in American politics is marked by her trailblazing achievements.
- Legacy: Michelle Steel's legacy in American politics is marked by her trailblazing as one of the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress. Her commitment to conservative values and her advocacy for various legislative initiatives have made her a significant figure in contemporary American politics.
Michelle Steel's Impact and Legacy
Michelle Steel's journey from South Korea to the U.S. House of Representatives is a testament to her determination and resilience. As one of the first Korean-American women in Congress, she's broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her work on the California State Board of Equalization and the Orange County Board of Supervisors showcases her commitment to public service. Steel's stance on various issues, like opposing mandatory face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for conservative values, highlights her dedication to her beliefs. Her legislative initiatives, including bills on mental health, labor transparency, and innovation, reflect her focus on improving American lives. Steel's legacy is marked by her trailblazing role in politics and her unwavering commitment to her community. Her story inspires many, proving that with determination, one can achieve great heights.
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