US State Representatives

District 26

Julia Brownley (Incumbent) vs. Michael Koslow

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CONGRESS?

If you want a moderate Democrat to continue representing District 26, vote JULIA BROWNLEY.

If you want a Republican who doesn’t support a woman’s right to choose, LGBTQ rights, and maintains other standard Republican views, vote for MICHAEL KOSLOW.

JULIA BROWNLEY

Background

  • Currently Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 26th Congressional District, a position she has held since 2013.

  • Before serving in Congress, she spent three terms in the California State Assembly and served as a school board member for 12 years.

  • Her early career was in marketing and business, before transitioning into politics to focus on issues like education and veterans' services.

Experience

  • A vocal advocate for veterans' affairs and serves as the second-ranking member on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

  • Sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, working on policies related to aviation, highways, and water resources.

  • Has prioritized healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities for her constituents.

Platform

  • Centers on sustainability, veterans' services, and education reform.

  • Has consistently supported policies that expand funding for public education, improve healthcare access, and protect the environment.

  • Has introduced legislation aimed at expanding support for veterans, particularly women, while advocating for public infrastructure improvements and affordable healthcare.

  • Maintains a moderate stance within the Democratic Party, but remains committed to climate action and social welfare initiatives.​

MICHAEL KOSLOW

Background

  • Republican candidate running for U.S. Representative for California's 26th District in the 2024 election.

  • Completed military service in the Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Senior Executive and Command Chief for the California Air National Guard.

  • Also worked in counterintelligence and special investigations, both in the military and in the private sector, and holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC.

Experience

  • Served as a criminal investigator for the Department of Defense to working in healthcare investigations and founded his own private investigations agency.

  • Also worked as a consultant and entrepreneur, emphasizing leadership, accountability, and problem-solving in various sectors.

Platform

  • As a Republican candidate, he opposes abortion, reflecting a traditional pro-life position, favoring restrictions on the procedure.

  • Supports limiting the expansion of protections around gender identity and sexual orientation, aligning with more conservative views on these issues, particularly opposing gender-affirming care in certain contexts​.

  • Focused on fiscal responsibility, reducing government spending, and ensuring national security. He advocates for strong national defense, constitutional values, and individual rights.

DISTRICT 27

George Whitesides vs. Mike Garcia (Incumbent)

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CONGRESS?

If you want to flip a district that is registered nearly 42% Dem vs 30% Rep with a vote for a rational Democrat who has extensive experience and reasonable views on abortion rights and more, vote for GEORGE WHITESIDES.

If you want an 2020 election results denier who also wants a nationwide ban on abortion that aligns himself completely with Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, vote for MIKE GARCIA.

GEORGE WHITESIDES

Background

  • The Democratic candidate running for U.S. Representative in California's 27th Congressional District.

  • Former Chief of Staff at NASA and the CEO of Virgin Galactic, with a career dedicated to leadership in science, space exploration, and innovation.

  • Campaign is focused on flipping the district from Republican control.

Experience

  • At NASA, he played a vital role in leading space initiatives, and as CEO of Virgin Galactic, he helped create hundreds of jobs in the Antelope Valley.

  • Co-founder of Megafire Action, a group dedicated to preventing wildfires.

Platform

  • Focuses on creating local jobs, addressing the wildfire insurance crisis, and protecting reproductive rights.

  • Supports expanding access to healthcare, defending Social Security and Medicare, and tackling environmental challenges, particularly around wildfire prevention and clean energy.

  • Committed to protecting the right to choose, aligning with a pro-choice platform and advocating for expanded access to healthcare services for women.

MIKE GARCIA

Background

  • Current incumbent, voted against certifying the 2020 election results for Arizona and Pennsylvania, aligning with 139 other House Republicans who questioned the outcome of the election.

  • Despite the violent events of January 6th, Garcia maintained his objection to certifying the electoral votes.

  • Also voted against establishing a bipartisan commission to investigate the insurrection.

Experience

  • U.S. Navy fighter pilot and defense industry executive before entering politics.

  • Serves on various key committees, including the House Appropriations Committee and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology​.

Platform

  • Emphasizes issues like public safety, economic growth, and national security.

  • Has supported increased funding for police and is critical of California's criminal justice reforms.

  • Anti-abortion.

District 28

Judy Chu vs. April A. Verlato

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want a perfectly reasonable Democrat who has been doing a great job (and is a great public speaker, FYI), and will continue to fight for the standard Democratic ideals, vote for JUDY CHU.

If you want a run-of-the-mill Republican who has no federal experience and wants to ban abortion country-wide, vote for APRIL VERLATO.

JUDY CHU

Background

  • Democratic representative for California's 28th congressional district, has a long career in public service, beginning with her election to the Garvey School District Board in 1985.

  • Served on the Monterey Park City Council, where she was mayor three times.

  • Later to the California State Assembly and the State Board of Equalization.

Experience

  • In 2009, she made history as the first Chinese American woman elected to the U.S. Congress.

  • Some of her key legislative accomplishments include passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, securing the designation of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument, and working to protect women's rights through the Women's Health Protection Act.

  • Has been a strong advocate for veterans, pushing for the establishment of a Veterans Healthcare Clinic in her district.

Platform

  • Chu’s platform emphasizes healthcare reform, support for small businesses, civil rights, and environmental conservation, alongside advocacy for education and veterans' issues.

APRIL A. VERLATO

Background

  • Longtime resident of Arcadia, California, where she has served as both a city council member and mayor.

  • Aligns with several key conservative and Republican values, such as her stance on lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, public safety, and securing the border.

Experience

  • Longtime resident of Arcadia, California, where she has served as both a city council member and mayor.

  • Was first elected to the city council in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, serving as mayor from 2019 to 2020.

  • Is also an attorney and businesswoman, with deep ties to the local community.

Platform

  • Is anti-abortion and has expressed support for policies that restrict abortion access. She opposes the expansion of abortion rights and has backed initiatives that promote alternatives to abortion, such as support for mothers and families in need.

  • Advocates for lower taxes and a balanced budget, positioning herself as a proponent of smaller government.

  • A strong supporter of law enforcement, having voted consistently to increase police funding in Arcadia.

District 29

Luz Maria Rivas vs Benito Benny Bernal

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want a Democrat who represents the standard package of Democratic values, vote LUZ MARIA RIVAS.

If you want an anti-abortionist with no legislative experience that aligns with MAGA and Trump, vote BENITO BENNY BERNAL.

LUZ MARIA RIVAS

Background

  • Has a strong background in education, engineering, and public service.

  • Born to immigrant parents and raised in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, she attended public schools in Los Angeles and pursued a STEM career.

  • She earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT and a master’s in Education from Harvard University.

Experience

  • Career began in engineering at Motorola, then founded the nonprofit DIY Girls in 2012 to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.

  • Rivas also held various leadership positions in education and public policy before being elected to the California State Assembly in 2018, where she has focused on issues like environmental justice, homelessness, and STEM education.

Platform

  • Rivas' platform for her Congressional run centers on continuing her advocacy for underrepresented communities, fighting for environmental justice, improving education, and securing funding for local infrastructure.

  • She has already secured over $70 million in state funding for her district.

BENITO BENNY BERNAL

Background

  • Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents, he was raised in Pacoima and Arleta, where he developed a strong commitment to community service from a young age.

  • His career includes over 29 years of service with the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he worked as a bus driver and later as a supervisor before retiring early because he refused to get vaccinated against COVID.

Experience

  • Actively involved in local politics and community advocacy for over 40 years, focusing on youth programs, seniors, and veterans.

Platform

  • Support for family rights, law enforcement reform, and national security. He advocates for preserving the traditional family structure and opposes policies that, in his view, undermine parental authority.

  • Supports a strong national security policy, immigration reform, and welfare reform, promoting self-reliance over long-term dependency on government assistance.

  • Anti-abortion.

District 30

Laura Friedman vs. Alex Balekian

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want a Democrat who represents the standard package of Democratic values with extensive government experience, vote LAURA FRIEDMAN

If you want a Republican that leans pretty moderate but has zero experience in government or law, vote ALEX BALEKIAN.

LAURA FRIEDMAN

Background

  • Diverse background in film production, local government, and legislative leadership.

  • Earned a degree in theatre from the University of Rochester and began her career in the entertainment industry.

  • Served on the Glendale City Council and as Glendale’s mayor before entering state politics.

Experience

  • Elected to the California State Assembly in 2016 and has since focused on a range of progressive issues, including environmental conservation, housing, and transportation.

  • Authored several notable bills, including those on water conservation and the ban on fur sales.

  • Chaired the Assembly Committee on Transportation, where she advocated for sustainable development and transportation reforms.

Platform

  • Centers on addressing the housing crisis, climate change, and public health.

  • Aims to secure federal support for affordable housing, expand environmental protections, and increase public transportation funding.

  • Also focuses on combating toxic pollution and increasing biodiversity, with a vision to align federal policies with California’s aggressive climate and housing goals

ALEX BALEKIAN

Background

  • Glendale-born physician and small business owner, raised by immigrant parents.

  • Grew up in California's 30th Congressional District.

Experience

  • Has never held public office.

  • Identifies as a socially moderate but fiscally conservative Republican.

Platform

  • Advocates for a fiscally responsible government and criticizes progressive environmental policies for driving up living costs without clear benefits.

  • Supports a measured approach to climate policy that balances economic concerns with sustainability.

  • Emphasizes the need to streamline healthcare, lower costs, and reduce regulations on small businesses.

  • Is pro-choice.

District 31

Gil Cisneros vs. Daniel Jose Bocic Martinez

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want a Democrat who represents the standard package of Democratic values with extensive government experience, vote GIL CISNEROS.

If you want a Republican who is a little fuzzy on the policy and positions and has no previous experience, vote DANIEL JOSE BOCIC MARTINEZ.

GIL CISNEROS

Background

  • Former U.S. Navy officer and philanthropist.

  • Earned a degree in Political Science from George Washington University on an ROTC scholarship and later completed an MBA and a master's in Urban Education Policy.

  • Won a Mega Millions lottery in 2010, he dedicated himself to philanthropy, particularly supporting educational opportunities for underserved communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

Experience

  • Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021, representing California's 39th District.

  • During his time in Congress, he focused on veterans' issues, gun safety reforms, and healthcare.

  • After losing re-election in 2020, he was appointed as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in the Biden administration, where he implemented policies that expanded healthcare access for military personnel, supported reproductive rights, and reformed sexual assault protocols within the military.

Platform

  • Advocates for veterans, defend reproductive rights, promote economic opportunities for working families, and advance climate action.

  • Remains committed to gun safety reform and environmental protections.

  • Emphasizes continuing his public service, particularly in opposition to policies pushed by the "MAGA extremists" in Congress​

DANIEL JOSE BOCIC MARTINEZ

Background

  • Republican candidate.

  • Is an attorney, entrepreneur, and educator with a career that spans over a decade. As

  • Has worked extensively with clients in the immigration and criminal justice systems, giving him firsthand insights into the challenges facing these communities.

Experience

  • Has never held public office.

  • Has used his expertise to advocate for systemic reforms and has guided hundreds of individuals through legal processes.

  • Is an active community member, focusing on veterans' issues and mental health, especially for military personnel suffering from PTSD and suicide risk.

Platform

  • Supports full governmental transparency and declassification of information to enhance public trust.

  • Prioritizes addressing mass shootings by improving mental health support and veterans' care.

  • Wants immigration reform that offers legal status for undocumented individuals without necessarily providing a path to citizenship.

  • Has not commented on Donald Trump or abortion.

Districts 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 are all safely Democratic.

32: Brad Sherman (incumbent)

34: Jimmy Gomez (incumbent)

35: Norma J. Torrest (incumbent)

36. Ted W. Lieu (Incumbent)

37. Sydney Kamlager - Dove (incumbent)

38: Linda T. Sanchez (incumbent)

District 40

Joe Kerry vs. Young Kim (Incumbent)

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want a Democrat who represents the standard package of Democratic values with extensive government experience, vote GIL CISNEROS.

If you want a Republican who is a little fuzzy on the policy and positions and has no previous experience, vote DANIEL JOSE BOCIC MARTINEZ.

Joe Kerry

Background

  • Former U.S. Navy officer and philanthropist.

  • Earned a degree in Political Science from George Washington University on an ROTC scholarship and later completed an MBA and a master's in Urban Education Policy.

  • Won a Mega Millions lottery in 2010, he dedicated himself to philanthropy, particularly supporting educational opportunities for underserved communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

Experience

  • Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021, representing California's 39th District.

  • During his time in Congress, he focused on veterans' issues, gun safety reforms, and healthcare.

  • After losing re-election in 2020, he was appointed as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in the Biden administration, where he implemented policies that expanded healthcare access for military personnel, supported reproductive rights, and reformed sexual assault protocols within the military.

Platform

  • Advocates for veterans, defend reproductive rights, promote economic opportunities for working families, and advance climate action.

  • Remains committed to gun safety reform and environmental protections.

  • Emphasizes continuing his public service, particularly in opposition to policies pushed by the "MAGA extremists" in Congress​

Young Kim (incumbent)

Background

  • Represents California's 40th Congressional District as a Republican.

  • Born in South Korea and raised in Guam, she has a background in business and public service, having previously served in the California State Assembly.

  • She became one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress in 2020.

Experience

  • Former aide to Congressman Ed Royce.

  • Has focused her congressional work on small business development, economic growth, and foreign affairs.

  • In Congress, she serves on several committees, including the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Small Business.

Platform

  • Anti-abortion; voted against the Equality Act (sought to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity)

  • Opposes stricter gun control measures, voting against proposals like universal background checks. She supports the Second Amendment and gun rights.

  • Supported initiatives that enhance STEM education and vocational training to ensure job readiness, but she has also aligned with groups critical of progressive sex education curricula

Districts 42, 43, and 44 are all safely Democratic.

42: Robert Garcia (incumbent)

43: Maxine Waters (incumbent)

44: Nanette Barragán (incumbent)

District 45

Derek Tran vs. Michelle Steel (Incumbent)

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to flip a district key to Democratic congressional control with a representative staunchly against Trump and everything he stands for, vote DEREK TAN.

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country - especially as it concerns a woman’s right to choose, gun control, LGTBQ+ rights, and social safety nets - vote MICHELLE STEEL.

Derek Tran

Background

  • Grew up in Southern California, where his parents opened a small grocery store after fleeing Communist Vietnam.

  • At 18, Tran enlisted in the U.S. Army, which shaped his commitment to public service and teamwork across political lines.

  • After his military service, Tran pursued a law degree and chose to practice in areas that advocate for immigrant and worker rights

Experience

  • Serves on the Orange Traffic Commission, focusing on local infrastructure challenges.

  • Tran and his wife run a pharmacy in Orange County.

Platform

  • Strongly pro-choice and committed to protecting reproductive rights. Vowed to codify Roe v. Wade and protect access to contraception and women's health services, including funding for Planned Parenthood.

  • Supports the LGBTQ+ community and has expressed his commitment to passing the Equality Act and protecting marriage equality.

  • Supports raising teacher salaries, investing in public schools, and expanding vocational and job training programs​.

  • Critical of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, positioning himself as a defender of democracy and human rights. He has pledged to fight back against extremist policies that undermine voting rights, women's rights, and social safety nets​.

Michelle Steel (incumbent)

Background

  • Active in local and national politics for many years.

  • Served as Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and as a member of the California Board of Equalization, where she worked on tax reform and small business issues.

Experience

  • Serves on the Orange Traffic Commission, focusing on local infrastructure challenges.

  • Tran and his wife run a pharmacy in Orange County.

Platform

  • Strongly anti-choice and has supported several anti-abortion measures, including co-sponsoring the Life at Conception Act (although withdrew support later because of IVF concerns.)

  • Consistently opposed measures that expand LGBTQ+ rights. She voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which sought to protect same-sex marriage, and has taken conservative positions on issues related to gender identity​

  • Supports local control over education and opposes government mandates that she believes interfere with parental rights and community standards

  • Aligns closely with Donald Trump on many issues, including her support for conservative policies on immigration, taxation, and deregulation. However, she took a neutral stance on the certification of the 2020 election results and has shown some distance on issues related to the 2021 impeachment.

Districts 46 is safely Democratic.

46: Lou Correa (Incumbent)

District 47

Dave Min vs. Scott Baugh

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to keep a key district Democratic with a candidate that is working to protect those most at risk of losing basic rights, vote DAVE MIN

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country - especially as it concerns a woman’s right to choose, gun control, LGTBQ+ rights, and social safety nets - vote SCOTT BAUGH.

Dave Min

Background

  • Democrat running for California’s 47th Congressional District in 2024.

  • A first-generation Korean American, a former law professor at UC Irvine, and an attorney with extensive experience in financial regulation.

  • Elected to the California State Senate in 2020, where he has successfully passed 28 bills into law​

Experience

  • Roles at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and as a policy advisor to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

  • Experience spans financial regulation, environmental issues, and voter rights.

  • In the California State Senate, focused on progressive legislation, including environmental protections, banning gun sales on state property, and securing abortion rights in the California Constitution​

Platform

  • A strong advocate for reproductive rights. He supported enshrining abortion protections in California's Constitution and has vowed to protect reproductive freedom nationwide if elected to Congress​

  • Supports expanding LGBTQ+ protections and opposes efforts to restrict rights, including protections for marriage equality.

  • Advocates for strengthening public education, including increasing teacher pay and expanding access to higher education.

  • Emphasizes the need to protect democracy and voting rights, framing his campaign as a fight against the divisive politics associated with his Republican opponent​

Scott Baugh

Background

  • Earned a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and a J.D. from the University of the Pacific.

  • Seasoned politician with a background in law and business.

Experience

  • Represented California's 67th State Assembly District and later leading the Republican Party in Orange County

  • Maintained close ties with the Republican establishment and has been involved in fundraising for GOP candidates

Platform

  • Staunchly anti-abortion, opposing access to abortion except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. He supports a nationwide abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest​

  • Opposes same-sex marriage.

  • Supports reduction of federal oversight in education.

  • Emphasizes conservative fiscal policies, advocating for lower taxes, stricter immigration enforcement, and securing the southern border.

District 49

Mike Levin (incumbent) vs. Matt Gunderson

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to keep a key district Democratic with a candidate that is working to protect those most at risk of losing basic rights, vote MIKE LEVIN.

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country, but are happy with a moderate Republican, vote MATT GUNDERSON.

MIKE LEVIN

Background

  • Heritage includes Mexican ancestry through his maternal grandparents, and he has emphasized his commitment to representing diverse voices in his district.

  • Co-founded CleanTech OC, an organization focused on advancing renewable energy, before transitioning into politics

Experience

  • Democratic representative for California's 49th Congressional District.

  • First elected in 2018 and has since built a reputation as a progressive advocate, particularly on environmental and veterans' issues.

Platform

  • Staunch supporter of abortion rights and has consistently advocated for protecting reproductive freedom

  • Prioritizes increasing access to affordable education and has supported initiatives aimed at reducing student loan burdens and expanding educational opportunities for all. He is also an advocate for improving STEM education

  • Voted for the 2022 Assault Weapons Ban and supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, both of which aim to reduce gun violence by enacting stricter regulations

  • Platform is focused on progressive issues like climate action, veterans' affairs, and improving infrastructure. He has garnered significant federal funding for his district and is considered one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress​

MATT GUNDERSON

Background

  • Gunderson is a prominent business owner, having successfully operated several car dealerships in Southern California.

  • Campaigning on a platform focused on common-sense solutions and fiscal responsibility

Experience

  • Unsuccessfully ran for the California State Senate in 2022​.

Platform

  • Supports abortion rights with certain limitations, positioning himself as a moderate on this issue. He seeks to distinguish his stance from the more hardline anti-abortion views within the GOP while appealing to voters in his swing district

  • Supports reforming education with a focus on local control, improving quality, and ensuring that schools are well-funded to meet the needs of students​

  • Campaign emphasizes reducing government overreach, fixing the economy, and curbing inflation, which he attributes to the current administration's policies

  • Leans generally moderate as a conservative.