2026 Congressional Candidate Policy Positions

California

House Candidates 13

  • Economy
    Gray has called for more federal spending on infrastructure and has supported measures that would expand paid family and sick leave in California. He also voted for a bill that would authorize collective bargaining for childcare workers. Notably, Gray voted against legislation that would increase California’s minimum wage and opposes California’s Prop 32, which would raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, and believes “wages need to be appropriate for the regions.” He also voted against a bill that would require employers to designate the majority of freelancers or gig workers as employees. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Foreign Affairs
    Gray believes the U.S.’s inconsistency on international affairs has contributed to global issues that put American troops at risk He has also said the “most dangerous issue” in U.S. foreign policy “is the fact that people can’t seem to count on America anymore to keep its word” or its commitments, “whether it’s climate accord, whether it’s our commitment to NATO, whether it’s our commitment to our ally Israel.". meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Reproductive Rights
    Gray believes abortion is a decision that should be made between a woman and her doctor and would vote to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. [vii] [viii] As a member of the California State Assembly, Gray voted for a number of bills aimed at protecting a woman’s right to choose and expanding access to reproductive health services, including legislation that would prohibit tech companies from disclosing abortion information to out-of-state law enforcement agencies, establish the California Reproductive Health Equity Fund & Program and the Abortion Practical Support Fund, reduce the cost of abortion, prohibit the recognition of out-of-state abortion lawsuits, prohibit the suspension of medical licenses for performing abortions, and prohibit state legislation on access to abortion and contraception. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Environment
    Minimize the impact of the “state water grab”+ ensure funding for critical water storage forcemultiplierus.org/houseGray believes climate change is real and has argued that we have “got to be serious about finding our transition to a clean energy world.” However, he has argued that government mandates “don’t work” and opposes California’s mandate that would force new vehicle buyers to purchase electric vehicles, arguing it is “something that can be handled in the marketplace.” In the California State Assembly, Gray voted for bills that would increase tax rebates for electric vehicles, establish new energy relief and environmental programs, extend the California Environmental Quality Act to private schools, and appropriate funding for hybrid and zero emission vehicle use. Notably, Gray opposed legislation that would establish the California Climate Crisis Act, extend California’s cap-and-trade policies, increase the state’s renewable energy target, require all new self-driving cars to be zero-emission by 2030, prohibit exhaust and emissions from certain vehicles, require California to maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions after achieving net-zero, increase penalties for oil spills, rescind the federal freeze on environmental deregulations, prohibit single-use plastics for personal care products at lodging establishments, reduce greenhouse gas emissions levels, and prohibit retailers from using single-use carryout bags. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Gun Control
    Secure funding to identify gang leaders and to confiscate ammunition + weapons from the streets; oppose efforts to reduce sentencing before rehabilitation has been completed; work with law enforcement to ban use of the chokehold without jeopardizing officer safetyforcemultiplierus.orgAccording to his campaign website, Gray helped secure funding to create the VIPER program, which he claimed resulted “in the arrest of 50 gang leaders and confiscation of weapons and ammunition from the streets.” [lxxiv] He also helped secure $1 million for the UC Merced police force and worked with law enforcement to ban the use of chokeholds “without jeopardizing officer safety.”[lxxv] Gray opposed California’s “zero bail” proposal and Prop 47, which reduced sentencing and allowed criminals back on the streets before rehabilitation had been completed. [lxxvi] During his time in the California State Assembly, Gray supported several measures aimed at addressing criminal justice issues, police violence, and holding law enforcement accountable, including legislation that would expand the public’s access to police records, require criminal records for individuals never convicted to be expunged, prohibit the release of certain juvenile police records, prohibit racial discrimination in criminal courts, and establish the Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies (CAREN) Act, which would prohibit discriminatory emergency calls.Notably, Gray opposed legislation that would prohibit the transfer of police officers following misconduct convictions, authorize counties to establish a Sheriff Oversight Board, require California law enforcement agencies to receive approval before acquiring military-grade equipment, repeal a law requiring citizens help police, authorize parole for juvenile offenders with life sentences, authorize early release for certain prisoners in solitary confinement, and require police officers to file detailed reports of every stop and search.. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Immigration
    Address workforce shortages across the Central Valley by establishing a program for agricultural workers in the US to earn legal status through continued employment in the agricultural sector.
    Supports American Dream and Promise Act of 2025
    (gray.house.gov)
    Gray believes both parties “have failed to fulfill their promises on the border,” but has blamed the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on the lack of progress on immigration reform. He supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. illegally as long as they have not committed a crime since arriving and will work to protect DREAMers by reauthorizing and expanding DACA. He also supports increasing the number of border patrol agents. Gray does not support E-Verify being required for all private employers. While serving as a member of the California State Assembly, Gray supported legislation that would authorize DREAMers to participate in County Central Committees, expand Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income adults regardless of immigration status, authorize Medicaid for undocumented families, prohibit California prisons from working with ICE contractors, authorize undocumented immigrants to be eligible for health coverage, authorize undocumented immigrants to receive professional licenses, authorize driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, and prohibit landlords from disclosing the immigration status of tenants.Notably, Gray voted against measures that would establish a statewide sanctuary policy in California, prohibit law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status, and authorize non-U.S. citizens to serve on juries. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    LGBTQ+ Policy
    Gray supports equality and has advocated for federal legislation that protects same-sex marriage. As a member of the California State Assembly, Gray voted for bills that would recognize nonbinary as an official legal gender, require state boards and committees to be more diverse, establish one credit of racial and ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement, and establish a task force to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.Notably, Gray voted against legislation that would require retailers and department stores to have a gender neutral section. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Equal Access to Education, Medical Care, and Housing
    Supports funding for early childhood education + school-based healthcare including mental health care forcemultiplierus.org/house).
    Introduced the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act today to reauthorize telehealth networks and expand telehealth access in rural areas. gray.house.gov
    Introduced the Stop Troubling Retroactive Invoices for Veteran Expenses (STRIVE) Act of 2025 to limit copay costs for veterans seeking care at VA facilities. gray.house.govGray believes the Affordable Care Act “has an insurance premium problem” and has advocated for providing additional premium assistance to bring down costs, strengthening tax incentives for employers to offer high-quality healthcare coverage, and investing in rural areas that lack healthcare access. He also supports allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices in bulk. [cxxxvi] Gray opposes cutting Medicare and Social Security, arguing it would be unacceptable for people to not receive the benefits they have earned. [cxxxvii] As a member of the California State Assembly, Gray supported legislation that would require citizens to purchase health insurance, require large group health plans to cover medically necessary prescription drugs, establish a statewide individual mandate program for health insurance, require health insurance plans to make coverage available to their members’ dependent parents, limit the amount of opioids that can be prescribed to minors, and allow the state to contract with drug manufacturers to produce low-cost generic drugs.. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Background Experience
    Adam Gray is a native of the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley agricultural region where he worked in his family dairy supply + feed store. He graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a BA in Political Science.
    He was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 + re-elected for four subsequent terms. In that role Assemblyman Gray became a bipartisan problem solver on issues like affordable health care, job creation, education, public safety + protection. of water resources.
    Defeated for Representative in 2022, then elected in 2024 by very narrow margin (187 votes) in a district Trump carried by 5+%. forcemultiplierus.org/house

House Candidates 47

  • Economy
    *Focus on Small Business Development. Min has been a champion for small businesses in the California State Senate, authoring the Small Business Relief Grant Program that allocated more than $4 billion in relief grants to small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a law to address predatory lending. He has fought to reduce the regulatory burden for small businesses and address hidden junk fees. [xliii] Min has also supported efforts to expand paid family and sick leave in California and voted for bills that would allow state legislative staff to unionize and increase the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 per hour. He has called for investigating allegations of price gouging and market manipulation and supported the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in August 2022.
    Min has said the concept of trickle-down economics “simply doesn’t work” and has argued for rolling back tax cuts for the wealthiest 1%. [lvi] [lvii] He believes the tax policies implemented by Trump’s Tax Cuts & Jobs Act have been “ruinous for our fiscal standing” and negatively impacted U.S. economic growth. In Congress, Min will oppose efforts to extend the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act or make its changes to the SALT deduction permanent.

    Foreign Affairs
    Min has accused the House Republican caucus of “outrageous fealty” to Russian President Vladimir Putin by preventing or delaying aid being sent to Ukraine. He has accused Russia of conducting a “war of genocide” and has pledged to “100% support all military aid to Ukraine to help defend itself.” Min condemned the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, calling it a “despicable invasion” that amounted to “war crimes.” However, he has reportedly privately criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Reproductive Rights
    Min is a member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and is rated 100% by reproductive rights groups like Planned Parenthood. "I will continue to stand steadfastly against the Trump administration’s draconian attacks on women’s healthcare and reproductive rights."

    *Focus on preventing violence against women. "Min believes there should be ‘no compromises when it comes to women’s access to abortion and contraception’ and that women should have “full autonomy over their own bodies and their ability to make their own healthcare decisions.” According to his campaign website, Min helped write California’s Proposition 1, which codified abortion rights in the state Constitution. As a member of the California State Senate, Min has voted for a number of bills aimed at protecting a woman’s right to choose and expanding access to reproductive health services, including legislation that would prohibit health insurers from penalizing doctors who perform an abortion procedure, prohibit tech companies from disclosing abortion information to out-of-state law enforcement agencies, establish the California Reproductive Health Equity Fund & Program and the Abortion Practical Support Fund, reduce the cost of abortion, prohibit the recognition of out-of-state abortion lawsuits, expand the list of who can perform abortions, prohibit the suspension of medical licenses for performing abortions, and prohibit state legislation on access to abortion and contraception. He also voted for a bill that would expand protections for reproductive care and specify that every individual in California has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child or have an abortion. [xxvii] [xxviii] Additionally, Min supported a 2024 measure that would authorize Arizona abortion providers to establish offices in California and provide immediate care to patients from Arizona who traveled to California to receive abortion services. [xxix] [xxx] In Congress, Min will support codifying Roe v. Wade into law and work to take back the federal judiciary “from the extremist MAGA judges who are rewriting the Constitution to attack the rights of women.

    Environment
    Supports terminating offshore drilling in Orange County. Min believes “we are facing tectonic changes to our basic way of life unless we begin to aggressively reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and turn the tide on carbon emissions.”According to his campaign website, Min has been a “climate warrior” and authored legislation “to end offshore drilling, preserve and expand our protected open spaces, and aggressively decarbonize our economy.” Min has voted for bills aimed at safeguarding the environment and combating climate change, including measures that would establish the California Climate Crisis Act and the California Environmental Quality Act, require large companies doing business in California to disclose their climate risk and carbon emissions, establish restrictions on PFAS substances, and appropriate funds for various clean energy programs. He also supported a measure that would require all new self-driving cars to be zero-emission by 2030.

    Gun Control
    Focus on preventing gun violence
    Accordingo t his campaign website, Min has “worked closely with local law enforcement to combat rising crime” and authored legislation to address rider safety on public transit and procure $1 million for local police to help keep communities safe. During his time in the California State Senate, Min has supporte several measures aimed at addressing police violence and holding law enforcement accountable, including legislation that would prohibit police departments from authorizing certain restraint techniques, prohibit the use of tear gas on protestors, expand the public’s access to police records, and prohibit the transfer of police officers following misconduct convictions. Notably, Min voted against legislation that would require California law enforcement agencies to receive approval before acquiring military-grade equipment. [lxix] [lxx] In Congress, Min will “continue to advocate for a commonsense approach to criminal justice,” one that is “tough on crime but also humane” and that includes “fair and racially neutral policing.

    Immigration
    Min supports DREAMers and has called the idea of ending the DACA program “lazy, bad policy.” He would have voted for the bipartisan Secure Our Border Act but opposes Trump’s mass deportation plan, which he has called “blatantly unconstitutional” and “counterproductive for public safety.” [xxxiv] While serving as a member of the California State Senate, Min has supported legislation that would authorize DREAMers to participate in County Central Committees, expand Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income adults regardless of immigration status, establish a state program to pay undocumented workers unemployment benefits, and authorize food assistance benefits for undocumented immigrants.

    LGBTQ+ Policy
    Dave Min has been a longtime champion for LGBTQ+ issues. He has stood loudly against LGBTQ+ hate and hate of all kinds, having hosted over 200 anti-hate events, and was proud to stand with the community in Huntington Beach this year when the city council banned the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag from city property. The announcement comes days before Sen. Min is slated to be endorsed by the California Democratic Party, having won a commanding 72% of the early vote last month. davemin.com

    Equal Access to Education, Medical Care, and Housing
    Focus on affordable housing. Co-chair of the Building Resilient Housing Task Force with the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. This task force will focus on building out our housing stock in a way that addresses the dual crises of housing affordability and climate change.

    Min believes healthcare is a human right and supports universal healthcare. He opposed the Trump administration’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with “Trumpcare,” which he said would have stripped healthcare coverage from 12 million Americans. [xcv] As a member of the California State Senate, Min voted for a bill that would prohibit obstructing, injuring, harassing, intimidating, or interfering with people in connection with any vaccination services.

    Min was born to South Korean immigrants in Providence, RI, and was raised in Palo Alto, CA. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Economics and Philosophy and from Harvard Law School.
    Min worked in financial regulation as a staff attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Banking Committee counsel for Senator Chuck Schumer and was a member of the California State Legislature from 2020 to 2024.
    In 2024, Min was elected to the US House of Representatives, representing California’s 47th congressional district, Orange County.
    Min is married to Jane Stoever, a clinical professor of law at UC Irvine. She works on domestic violence issues.

    Sources: forcemultiplierus.org, meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com, min.house.gov

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.

    Foreign Affairs

    • Fully sanction Russia.

    • Support Ukraine.

    • Demand ceasefire in Gaza and implement humanitarian corridor.

    Women's Rights
    Codify Roe v. Wade into federal law to guarantee reproductive freedom.

    Environment
    Invest in green jobs and infrastructure.
    *Defend our coastline from offshore drilling, preserve our open spaces, and take real action on climate change.

    Gun Control
    Implement universal background checks, red flag laws, and restrictions on weapons of war.

    Equal Access to Education, Medical Care, and Housing

    • Set localized wage floors for teachers.

    • Prioritize public health, transparency, and science over corporate influence

    • Aggressively address the opioid epidemic.

    Sources: huntermiranda2026.com, ballotpedia.org

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.

    Background and Experience
    Julia Hashemieh, currently residing in Santa Clara, CA, is a leader and philanthropist in the healthcare industry. As the CEO and President of Global Health Care Management LLC, she has dedicated over 15 years to managing outpatient surgery centers, ensuring that the community receives the best possible care. Her commitment to philanthropy through the Aryana Foundation showcases her deep-rooted passion for serving the community.

    No previous legislative experience.

    Source: juliahashemieh.com

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.

    Environment
    Wants to advance solar, wind, and nuclear while strategically utilizing our domestic oil reserves with strict environmental safeguards.

    Would fight for federal investment in beach restoration, desalination, and drought relief to secure our coastal communities and water supply.

    Imigration
    Wants to modernize the H-1B system, create guest worker programs, and streamline processing times. A merit-based system prioritizing security and economic contributions ensures fairness. DACA recipients also deserve a just, lawful.

    Equal Access to Education, Medical Care, and Housing
    Supports Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s work to Make America Healthy Again
    Will support legislation needed to clean up public health agencies like the CDC, NIH, FDA, and USDA—removing industry-captured officials and restoring integrity.

    Source: maxsentiforcongress.com

House Candidates 45 (GOP is targeting this seat)

  • Economy
    Committed to standing with workers. Small business is the backbone of our economy. US should lead in developing new technologies like Blockchain and Crypto. forcemultiplierus.org
    “I believe in a bala    nced approach to reducing the deficit and national debt that combines fiscal responsibility with smart investments in our future.This means cutting wasteful spending and finding efficiencies in government programs while also ensuring that we maintain critical services and support for working families.I would also advocate for reforming the tax code to close loopholes and ensure that everyone, including corporations, pays their fair share. By taking a pragmatic and bipartisan approach, we can put our nation on a more sustainable fiscal path without sacrificing the investments needed for long-term economic growth." ocregister.com

    Foreign Affairs
    Stand up to China - bolster economic competitiveness. forcemultiplierus.org
    Voted for Deterrent     Act to require stricter disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts with Universities. "This bill is a critical step toward ensuring that our academic institutions stay true to their mission of advancing knowledge for the benefit of all Americans, free from the undue influence of foreign adversaries." ocregister.com
    Joined War P    owers Resolution post Trump's bombing of Iran. "“Any President, past or present, must honor his Constitutional and statutory obligation to notify and seek Congressional approval before engaging in acts of war. Without proper debate, we risk putting our troops in danger and escalating regional conflict. I fully support this War Powers Resolution to ensure the safety of our troops and prevent this conflict from escalating further.” tran.house.gov
    "In Congress    , Tran would “honor” America’s commitment to support its allies, including supplemental emergency aid to Israel and Ukraine. He believes supporting allies in times of crisis “remains in our best interests as a country” and has argued that any military and financial aid to countries at war should promote “stability and democracy.” According to his campaign website, Tran “knows firsthand the devastating impact of totalitarian governments and is committed to standing firm against Chinese Communist rule.” He will support measures to “counter Chinese aggression and expansionism, while also engaging in strategic diplomacy to protect American interests and strengthen alliances with our allies,” as well as advocate for policies that promote democracy, expand human rights, and protect freedom of expression.Tran will also work to “bolster economic competitiveness, reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, and safeguard against unfair trade practices. meethtefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Reproductive Rights
    Pro Choice. Fights to defend women's health care and rights. forcemultiplierus.org
    "Tran is “100% pro-c    hoice” and opposes a national abortion ban.[viii] [ix] He would vote to codify the right to abortion in federal law. He has pledged to “stand strong to protect funding for Planned Parenthood and access to critical women’s health services like birth control and cancer screenings.”[xi] Tran would support legislation that ensures women have access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization. meetthefreshment.marathonstrategies.com

    Gun Control
    Supports gun control to keep our communities safe forecemultiplierus.org
    "As a veteran, Tran knows that weapons of war have no place on our streets, in places of worship, or anywhere near California schools. In Washington DC, he’ll be a strong advocate for public safety measures that are designed to keep children and families safe, including universal background checks, red flag laws, strong safe storage requirements, and bans on assault weapons and the sale of dangerous untraceable ghost guns. Tran is also committed to holding bad actors accountable and ensuring individuals get the justice they deserve. He knows that the gun lobby’s interests and tactics are antithetical to the needs of everyday Californians, and he’ll be a committed opponent to its dangerous agenda that has put too many lives and livelihoods at risk from coast to coast." giffords.org

    Immigration
    "Tran opposes the idea of mass deportation, arguing it would be “inhumane” and “impractical” and would do nothing to solve “the underlying issues of our immigration system.” He has advocated for comprehensive immigration reform “that strengthens border security through smart technology and improved border personnel training.He also supports modernizing the asylum process, ensuring that border agents have the resources necessary “to efficiently and humanely process migrant claims,” and creating a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers, farmworkers, and TPS holders. In Congress, Tran will support the reintroduction of the bipartisan border security bill that failed to pass in 2024. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    LGBTQ+ Policy
    Derek Tran’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights is both personal and professional. He supported his younger brother and niece when they came out and has fought for queer individuals in discrimination and wrongful termination cases as a consumer rights attorney. In Congress, Tran plans to champion legislation to correct less-than-honorable discharges for LGBTQ+ service members, federally codify the right to marry, and restrict federal funding for institutions that do not provide gender-affirming care. orangejuiceblog.com

    Equal Access to Education, Medical Care, and Housing
    Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. forcemultiplierus.org
    Tran believes healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. In Congress, he will “take on the big insurance and pharmaceutical companies” to try to control the high cost of prescription drugs and will work to expand Medicare “so that everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.” He opposes cutting Social Security and Medicare, and has advocated for allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. meetthefreshmen.marathonstrategies.com

    Background and Experience
    Derek Tran is the son of refugees from the Communist regime in Vietnam. He is an Army veteran. He received a BA from Bentley University and a JD from Glendale University College and launched his own legal practice in Orange County to fight for immigrants, workers, survivors of sexual harassment, and consumers.​ Tran is married to a pharmacist who grew up in Garden Grove. Together they ran a brick-and-mortar pharmacy in Orange County. They have three children who attend Orange County public schools. Prior to election to his first term in Congress in 2024, Tran served on the board of the Consumer Attorney Association of California. He has mentored at-risk youth at Sunburst Academy, located at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos where Tran did his military service. He is a Member of the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees.

    Other
    Against Trump & MAGA: defend our rights and values. Vows to fight to end the culture of corruption in our politics
    Has fought to defend Veteran's jobs cut by DOGE and to protect Veteran's rights. tran.house.org

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.

    Other
    Forde's professional experience includes working at Cyberfrog Technologies, Llamadas Heladas, United States Peace Corps, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, MIT Media Lab, and MIT Sloan School of Management. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his M.B.A. from London Business School.

    Sr. Tech Adviser in the Obama White House

    Source: ballotpedia.org

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.

    Background and Experience
    Mark Leonard was born in Landstuhl, Germany. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013 and later attended Temple University. His professional background includes work as a financial analyst.

    Source: Ballotpedia.org

  • Has not officially announced their candidacy.