Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Derek Tran
Current Job Title: Managing attorney
Political Party Affiliation: Democrat
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Orange Traffic Commissioner
City where you reside: Orange
Campaign website or social media: www.Derektranforcongress.com
How much assistance should the U.S. provide — military and/or financial — to foreign countries at war, like Israel or Ukraine? What, if any, should be the litmus test for American allies to receive assistance from the U.S.?
America has a commitment to support its allies, and I would honor that commitment in Congress. Right now, that means approving supplemental emergency aid to Israel and Ukraine. In terms of military and financial aid to countries at war as a general rule, the key lies in promoting stability and democracy. The litmus test for American allies should include a commitment to these principles as well as a shared dedication to combating global threats such as terrorism and authoritarianism. Supporting our allies in times of crisis — and standing up for human rights, democracy and peace — remains in our best interests as a country.
Border security continues to be a concern for many Americans. What is one proposal, that you believe could get bipartisan support, to address the border?
As the son of Vietnamese refugees and an Army veteran, this is an important issue to me. I am proud to have the endorsement of the New Democrat Coalition (New Dems) which represents nearly 100 congressional Democrats, and I am in agreement with their position on the border.
Fixing our immigration system will lead to a strengthened economy and more secure border, and there are several steps we can take to do so. The core of this approach is to modernize our asylum process; create and maintain consistent pathways to citizenship for undocumented Dreamers, farmworkers and temporary protective status holders; and ensure that federal border agents have the numbers and resources necessary to efficiently and humanely process migrant claims.
As AI technology continues to rapidly expand, what do you see as the federal government’s role in creating and enforcing a regulatory framework?
The federal government must play a proactive role in establishing a robust regulatory framework for AI technology. This framework should prioritize ethical considerations, privacy protections and accountability in AI systems. By working collaboratively with industry experts, stakeholders and the public, the government can develop policies that foster innovation while safeguarding against potential risks and biases in AI applications.
Enforcing these regulations is crucial to ensure responsible development and deployment of AI, preventing misuse and protecting citizens’ rights. A balance must be struck to encourage technological advancement while addressing ethical concerns, and the government should be a driving force in achieving this equilibrium through thoughtful and adaptive regulatory measures.
The role — and size — of the U.S. Supreme Court has come under scrutiny in recent years. Do you believe more justices should be added to the nation’s highest court, or would you support any kind of reform, like term limits?
As someone who has devoted his life to the Constitution and rule of law, I think it is paramount that we have faith in an independent and unbiased judiciary.
I strongly support instituting ethical standards on the Supreme Court. Justice Clarence Thomas’s behavior is completely unacceptable. Justices should be required to disclose gifts and recuse themselves from cases where there is a financial or personal conflict.
While I do not support court expansion, I am in favor of imposing a term limit for appointed justices.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
I am proud to refuse donations from oil companies and the fossil fuel industry, and if elected, I would work to lower gas prices by making corporate oil and gas companies pay their fair share. As a workers’ rights advocate, I’ve stood up to the abuse of corporations on their workforce and consumers. I will hold them accountable in Congress. I will work with our industry partners to promote sustainable energy production and consumption, bringing with it an influx in jobs, economic growth and a cleaner, healthier environment.
The George Santos saga made for numerous memes and “SNL” skits. But what is one thing Congress should take away from the former congressman’s expulsion from the House?
George Santos is not the first con artist, fraudster, serial liar and thief to be elected by the Republican Party, but hopefully, we can make him the last. We must have tougher ethical standards and campaign finance reform.
2023 was a year for labor in California. What is one policy you’d champion to support workers, if elected?
As a workers’ rights advocate, I have stood up for people in cases of sexual assault, discrimination and wrongful termination. I know the importance of holding corporations accountable to their workers, and I know the underhanded, unethical and often illegal methods they use to keep workers from unionizing and stop collective bargaining.
I ended my law practice and am running for Congress so that I can enact change on a national level to improve the lives of workers instead of helping case by case. I am certainly not alone in my belief that all workers should be able to join a union. We also need to ensure federal support for the PRO Act. This is a major priority and the first step toward making unions more accessible and giving workers a chance to negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions.
If you are an incumbent, tell us the most significant accomplishment of your most recent term. If you’re a newcomer, tell us how you, as a freshman, would stand out.
I would be the only Vietnamese representative currently serving (and only the third ever). My district has the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and there is not a single member of Congress who can truly speak to their histories, their values and their culture. I joined the Army while I was still in high school, and I will bring the lessons I learned in the military to Congress with me as well. While there are other veterans in Congress, I would stand out as being an enlisted soldier and not an officer. In Congress, I plan on pushing common-sense legislation to make our economy work for everyone, reduce the epidemic of gun violence, protect a woman’s right to choose and fight the effects of climate change. I sincerely hope being a pragmatic, effective and human-centered legislator won’t make me stand out, but if it does, then that is what I’d like to be known for.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
People before politics
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Beef jerky.
