Michelle Steel
Michelle Steel | |
|---|---|
박은주 | |
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 48th district | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Harley Rouda |
| Co-Chair of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders | |
| In office January 17, 2019 – January 3, 2021 Serving with Paul Hsu | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors | |
| In office January 1, 2020 – January 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Lisa Bartlett |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Do |
| Member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from the 2nd district | |
| In office January 5, 2015 – January 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John Moorlach |
| Succeeded by | Katrina Foley |
| Member of the California State Board of Equalization from the 3rd district | |
| In office January 5, 2007 – January 5, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Claude Parrish |
| Succeeded by | Diane Harkey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michelle Eunjoo Park June 21, 1955 Seoul, South Korea |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Seal Beach, California |
| Education | Pepperdine University (BA) University of Southern California (MBA) |
| Website | House website |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 박은주[1] |
| Hanja | 朴銀珠 |
| Revised Romanization | Bak Eunju |
| McCune–Reischauer | Pak Ŭn-ju |
Michelle Eunjoo Steel (née Park, June 21, 1955) is a South Korean-born American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 48th congressional district since 2021.[2] A member of the Republican Party, she concurrently serves as a member of House Minority Whip Steve Scalise's Whip Team for the 117th Congress.[3]
Steel previously served as the member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from the 2nd district from 2015 to 2021 and of the California State Board of Equalization from the 3rd district from 2007 to 2015.[4][5][6] Steel, along with fellow California Republican Young Kim and Democrat Marilyn Strickland of Washington, are the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress. Steel and Kim, along with David Valadao, also became the first Republican congressional candidates since 1994 to unseat incumbent House Democrats in California.
Early life and education[]
Steel was born in Seoul, South Korea.[6] Her father was born in Shanghai to Korean expatriate parents. Steel was educated in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. She holds a degree in business from Pepperdine University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. She is fluent in Korean and Japanese.[5]
California politics[]
Steel has been active in Republican Party politics and served on various commissions in the George W. Bush administration.[7]
California State Board of Equalization[]
Steel was elected to the California State Board of Equalization in 2006 when Republican incumbent Claude Parrish ran unsuccessfully for state Treasurer.[8] Throughout her tenure, she served as the country's highest ranking Korean American officeholder and California's highest ranking Republican woman.[4] She represented more than eight million people in the 3rd district, which then included the entirety of Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties, and portions of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.[citation needed] In 2011, she was elected vice chair of the Board of Equalization.[9]
Orange County Board of Supervisors[]
In 2014, Steel ran successfully to become a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors representing the 2nd district, defeating state Assemblyman Allan Mansoor.[10]
In March 2018, Steel was the only elected official to greet President Donald Trump when he landed at LAX on his first official visit to California as president.[11] In 2019, she was appointed by Trump to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.[12]
She served as the Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2017 and again in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she opposed mandatory face masks in Orange County.[13][14] She voted against requiring face coverings for retail employees,[15] and opposed requirements of masks in public schools. She questioned the medical efficacy of masks in preventing the virus spread.[16]
On September 15, 2020, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved plans that could lead to increased private jet traffic at John Wayne Airport. Steel was criticized[by whom?] for taking campaign contributions from ACI Jet, a corporation vying for a contract to maintain private jets at this airport, and was ultimately awarded the contract.[17][18][clarification needed]
Steel and her husband Shawn supported the 2020-21 recall initiative against California Governor Gavin Newsom,[19] and endorsed Larry Elder to replace him.[20]
U.S. House of Representatives[]
Elections[]
In 2020, Steel ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's 48th congressional district.[21] Steel received 34.9% of the vote to advance from the primary and defeated incumbent Democrat Harley Rouda in the November 3, 2020, election.[22] Steel raised $200,000 more than Rouda.[23]
During her campaign, Steel spoke out against COVID-19 mask mandates.[14] Her platform included opposition to abortion, same sex marriage, and the creation of a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.[14][24] A conservative, she aligned herself with President Donald Trump.[25]
Tenure[]
Steel, along with several other Republican U.S. House freshmen, is a member of the Freedom Force, an informal group styled as a Republican counterpart to the Democratic group The Squad.[26][27]
Steel tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2021.[28] Steel referenced her own mild symptoms from her bout with COVID to advocate for opening up schools and businesses.[29]
Due to her COVID-19 quarantine, Steel missed voting on the certification of Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.[30] Steel voted against the second impeachment of Donald Trump on January 13, 2021.[31]
In early February 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Steel called for the reopening of schools in California.[32][33][34]
On February 25, 2021, Steel voted against the Equality Act, a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act to explicitly include new protections.[35]
On February 27, 2021, Steel voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.[36][37]
In March 2021, Steel introduced a bill that would block federal funding from being used to support California’s high-speed rail project, which she called a "failure."[38]
In June 2021, Steel was one of forty-nine House Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of the AUMF against Iraq.[39][40]
Committee assignments[]
- United States House Committee on Education and Labor
- United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Personal life[]
In 1981, Steel married Shawn Steel, who would later be California Republican Party chairman from 2001 to 2003 and Republican National Committeeman from California since 2008. They have two daughters, and live in Seal Beach, California.[41] Steel is a Christian.[42]
At a 2014 Tea Party event in Newport Beach, Steel said she had withdrawn her younger daughter from the University of California, Santa Cruz and sent her to Loyola Marymount University for a one-year "brainwash" after her daughter voiced support for same-sex marriage and President Barack Obama.[43][44]
Electoral history[]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michelle Steel | 201,738 | 51.1 | |||
| Democratic | Harley Rouda (incumbent) | 193,362 | 48.9 | |||
| Total votes | 395,100 | 100 | ||||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Michelle Steel (incumbent) | 80,854 | 63.4 | |
| Nonpartisan | Brendon Perkins | 31,387 | 24.6 | |
| Nonpartisan | Michael Mahony | 15,281 | 12.0 | |
| Total votes | 127,522 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Michelle Steel | 62.5 | ||
| Nonpartisan | Allan Mansoor (incumbent) | 37.5 | ||
| Total votes | 100.0 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michelle Steel (incumbent) | 1,325,538 | 54.9 | |
| Democratic | Mary Christian Heising | 836,057 | 34.6 | |
| Libertarian | Jerry L. Dixon | 117,783 | 4.8 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Mary Lou Finley | 79,870 | 3.3 | |
| American Independent | Terri Lussenheide | 59,513 | 2.4 | |
| Total votes | 2,418,761 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michelle Steel | 1,147,514 | 56.99 | |
| Democratic | Mary Christian-Heising | 774,499 | 38.47 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Mary Finley | 91,467 | 4.54 | |
| Total votes | 2,013,480 | 100.00 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
See also[]
- List of Asian Americans and Pacific Islands Americans in the United States Congress
- Asian American and Pacific Islands American conservatism in the United States
- Asian Americans in United States politics
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
References[]
- ^ "'영옥씨' 영 김 후보도 당선…한국계 4명 미 의회 입성 (... Four Korean-Americans Enter U.S. Congress)". Korea Times (in Korean). November 13, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ Rep. Harley Rouda Concedes to Republican Challenger in 48th District Congressional District Race, KNBC-TV Channel 4, Los Angeles, California, November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020. "We did not win this election, Rouda said. "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."
- ^ @RepSteel (February 2, 2021). "Today I joined @SteveScalise on our first Whip Team call of the 117th Congress! I am so honored to join this team and am ready to get to work supporting policies that help #CA48 families & businesses thrive" (Tweet). Retrieved February 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Steel, Michelle Park. "Board Member Michelle Steel". California State Board of Equalization. Retrieved February 20, 2007.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "亞裔支持朴銀珠選稅委" [Asian Americans support Park's election to tax board]. August 23, 2006. Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved February 20, 2007.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Michelle Steel, JoinCalifornia.com, retrieved September 29, 2011
- ^ Hall, Madison; Panetta, Grace; Neilson, Susie (November 10, 2020). "Results: Republican Michelle Steel defeats first-term Rep. Harley Rouda in California's 48th Congressional District". Business Insider. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
- ^ 2006 California State Treasurer election
- ^ Arie Dana (January 26, 2011). "Michelle Steel Named Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization" (PDF). California Board of Equalization.
- ^ "Two new faces join Board of Supervisors". November 5, 2014.
- ^ Gerda, Nick (March 15, 2018). "OC Supervisor Michelle Steel Welcomed President Trump at LAX". Voice of OC. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- ^ "Trump names Michelle Park Steel co-chair of president's advisory commission on AAPIs". February 3, 2019.
- ^ "Californians must wear face masks in public under coronavirus order issued by Newsom". Los Angeles Times. June 18, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Green, Miranda (October 21, 2020). "The Mask Backlash That Could Oust a Democratic Congressman". Intelligencer. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "OC Supervisors Vote To Require Face Coverings For Many Retail Employees". MyNewsLA.com. April 22, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- ^ Custodio, Spencer (May 26, 2020). "Orange County Public Health Officials Under Fire Over Mask Order". Voice of OC. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ Brandon Pho (September 15, 2020). "Private Jet Plan for John Wayne Airport Sparks Resident Concern and Corruption Allegations". Voice of OC. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
- ^ Siebenmark, Jerry. "With New SNA Lease in Hand, ACI Plans $85M Project". Aviation International News. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
- ^ Lara Korte; David Lightman (April 22, 2021). "Some of the biggest names in the California GOP are staying quiet on recalling Gavin Newsom". Sacramento Bee.
- ^ "Orange County GOP chair endorses Larry Elder for governor". spectrumnews1.com. August 17, 2021.
- ^ "O.C. Supervisor Michelle Steel to challenge Rep. Harley Rouda in 2020 election". Associated Press. May 3, 2019.
- ^ "Michelle Steel". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
- ^ Denkmann, Libby. Four Lessons From The Southern California House Seats Republicans Reclaimed In 2020, KPCC, 89.3 FM, Southern California Public Radio, Pasadena, California, December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ "Race Heating Up For California's 48th District Seat As Rouda, Steel Face Off". September 14, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ "California Republican leaders go all in on Trump's election subterfuge, but some are more vocal than others". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
- ^ Lapin, Tamir (November 29, 2020). "New group 'Freedom Force' vows to be GOP answer to AOC's 'Squad'". The New York Post. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ Noor, Poppy (November 30, 2020). "The 'Freedom Force': Republican group takes on the Squad and 'evil' socialism". The Guardian.
- ^ Ke, Bryan (January 8, 2021). "California Congresswoman Who Once Questioned Mask-Wearing Catches COVID-19". NextShark. Retrieved January 9, 2021 – via news.yahoo.com.
- ^ "Surfside Rep. Michelle Steel Scolded For COVID Joke By Political Opponent Harley Rouda". CBS Los Angeles. January 28, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
- ^ Nixon, Nicole (January 7, 2021). "Here's How California Representatives Voted On Certifying Biden's Election, And Who Is Calling For Trump's Removal". Sacramento, Calif.: Capital Public Radio. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ Cai, Weiyi; Daniel, Annie; Gamio, Lazaro; Parlapiano, Alicia (January 13, 2021). "Impeachment Results: How Democrats and Republicans Voted". The New York Times. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ Staggs, Brooke (February 9, 2021). "Here's what local House members are doing, so far, in the legislative fight against COVID-19". Orange County Register. Anaheim, Calif. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ @RepSteel (February 10, 2021). "How it started vs. How it's going: #opentheschools" (Tweet). Retrieved February 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ @RepSteel (February 11, 2021). "The science is clear: there is little evidence schools contribute meaningfully to increased community transmission of #COVID19. I joined over 60 of my @HouseGOP colleagues in a letter to @POTUS urging him to follow the science & #opentheschools. It's time to put our kids first" (Tweet). Retrieved February 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Here's every Republican who voted against the Equality Act". Metro Weekly. February 25, 2021.
- ^ "Rep. Steel: "Relief should be targeted, temporary and tied to COVID"" (Press release). Washington, DC: Cong. Michelle Steele. March 1, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
- ^ Staggs, Brooke (March 28, 2021). "Young Kim and Michelle Steel carve out different paths in Congress". Orange County Register. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
- ^ "Orange County Republicans take aim at California's bullet train". Orange County Register. March 1, 2021.
- ^ "Repeal the 2001, 2002 authorizations for use of military force". Los Angeles Daily News. June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2021/roll172.xml[bare URL]
- ^ Steel, Michelle Park. "Vice Chair Michelle Steel". California State Board of Equalization. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
- ^ Steel, Michelle Park. "Michelle Steel - House Candidate - California 48th District". Susan B. Anthony List. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
- ^ "California GOP congressional candidate claimed she withdrew her daughter from college for supporting gay marriage". Metro Weekly. July 8, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
- ^ "Republican congressional candidate bragged about pulling daughter out of university for 'brainwashing' after she supported equal marriage". PinkNews. July 7, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ "California Election Results: 48th Congressional District". The New York Times. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- ^ "Orange County Statewide Direct Primary Election June 5, 2018". Orange County Elections.
- ^ "Two New Faces join Board of Supervisors". Orange County Elections. November 5, 2014.
External links[]
Media related to Michelle Steel at Wikimedia Commons
- Representative Michelle Steel official U.S. House website
- Campaign website
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
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- 1955 births
- 21st-century American politicians
- 21st-century American women politicians
- American anti-communists
- American Christians
- American women of Korean descent in politics
- Asian-American people in California politics
- Anti-same-sex-marriage activists
- California Republicans
- Candidates in the 2020 United States elections
- Christians from California
- Female members of the United States House of Representatives
- Living people
- Marshall School of Business alumni
- Asian-American members of the United States House of Representatives
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from California
- Orange County Supervisors
- People from Seoul
- People from Seal Beach, California
- Pepperdine University alumni
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives
- South Korean emigrants to the United States
- Tea Party movement activists
- Women in California politics