President Donald Trump has nominated former Rep. Michelle Steel to serve as U.S. ambassador to South Korea, placing a seasoned Republican figure in a key diplomatic role in East Asia.

Steel, who made history as the first Korean American woman elected to Congress in 2020, previously defeated Democrat Harley Rouda. She later lost a closely contested reelection bid in 2024 by a narrow margin after serving two terms.

Before her time in Congress, Steel built a political career in California, serving on the state’s Board of Equalization and the Orange County Board of Supervisors, where she also held a leadership role as chair. She studied in South Korea, Japan, and the United States, including at Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California.

If confirmed, Steel would represent the United States during a period of political transition in South Korea. The country recently removed former President Yoon Suk Yeol following a controversial attempt to impose martial law, and subsequently elected Lee Jae Myung as his successor.

Lee has been described as a left-leaning leader and has signaled interest in recalibrating foreign policy, including engagement with China and dialogue with North Korea, developments that could shape the diplomatic environment Steel would enter.

Steel, a longtime Republican and supporter of Trump, is known for her direct political style and experience in both local and national office. Her nomination now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers will consider her confirmation for the high-profile post.