California's 15th Congressional District election, 2026
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| California's 15th Congressional District |
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| General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: March 6, 2026 |
| Primary: June 2, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 |
| How to vote |
| Poll times:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
| See also |
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All U.S. House districts, including the 15th Congressional District of California, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House California District 15
Incumbent Kevin Mullin and Brian Tetrud are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 15 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Kevin Mullin (D) | |
 | Brian Tetrud (D)  | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Brian Tetrud was born and raised in Ladera, a small community nestled in Portola Valley. He attended local public schools—Las Lomitas, La Entrada, and Menlo-Atherton High School—before earning a degree in Economics from Ithaca College and later an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. You may know Brian as the founder of Ladera, a company he launched 14 years ago with his mother’s family recipe. What began as his mother’s family granola recipe has since grown into a nationally recognized brand. From there, Brian dedicated his career to investing in and advancing breakthrough technologies across food, biotechnology, and now artificial intelligence and machine learning. Brian’s entry into public service is a natural extension of his lifelong drive to challenge outdated systems and push for bold, thoughtful innovation. He believes that America, as the world’s leading superpower, should serve as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and hope—not just for its own people, but for the world. Yet, for many, that vision feels increasingly out of reach. Despite our nation’s extraordinary wealth, homelessness and incarceration are rising, while education outcomes and life expectancy decline. Meanwhile, reckless policies on mass deportation and foreign intervention are fueling instability and resentment both at home and abroad."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in California
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Brian Tetrud (D)
I am running because I believe it is unacceptable for our congressional representatives to be bought out governments.
Our political representatives vote to suppress free speech and continue conflicts around the world because it benefits them. Our current house representative, Kevin Mullin has received over $700,000 from the Israel lobby for his votes for continued warfare and suppression of free speech.
85% of Americans believe money in politics is the biggest threat to democracy. Special interests control our government and this needs to be fixed. Campaign finance reform is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that elected officials are responsive to their constituents, not to the highest bidder.
Immigration Reform
About 1 million immigrants come into the country legally each year, and another 200,000 are unauthorized. First generation immigrants are among the hardest working people in this country - many have endured and escaped extreme hardship that Americans can hardly fathom.
However, the process for immigrants to obtain and maintain authorization to be here has been a mess for decades. We need a compassionate, secure pathway to legal immigration and citizenship that reflects our values and economic needs.
That is why I support The Dignity Act which would reduce visa backlogs, reform how children and families of immigrants are treated, reform the asylum process, and improve border security.
Healthcare
The United States spends more on healthcare per person than any other country in the world by a wide margin, yet, we have the lowest life expectancy in the G7. We pay higher premiums, more for drugs and more for hospital care.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Healthcare Reform - Expanding Medicare access will improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare spending.
Immigration Reform - We need a compassionate pathway to citizenship
Campaign Finance Reform - Special interest groups control our government and this needs to be fixed.
Homelessness - The homeless epidemic is growing with no sign of resolution. California is the wealthiest state in our country yet 200,000 people are left on the streets. Our unhoused community deserves a new deal.
Debt - Interest on federal debt has become more than 20% of total government expenditures.
Brian Tetrud (D)
I look up to Ron Paul for his ability to stand up to his own party and fight for a balanced budget, reduced inflation, and non-interventionist foreign policy.
I look up to Bill Clinton for actually balancing the budget, strengthening alliances abroad, and signing NAFTA.
Most of all, I look up to George Washington. He had the power to become king but decided on democracy. His strength allowed our country to be what it has become. We need to look back in time to reflect on the values and principles our country was founded on: liberty, individual responsibility, limited government, and the idea that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. These ideals remind us that freedom, opportunity, and justice must guide our laws, policies, and leadership today.
By grounding ourselves in these founding principles, we can address modern challenges—from economic inequality to government accountability—while ensuring that the United States remains a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Why are some of the wealthiest counties in our country clustered around Washington, D.C.? Why are nearly all of our congressional representatives now millionaires?
Abraham Lincoln famously said at Gettysburg, “the great task remaining before us [is to] highly resolve that … government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Today, that vision is under threat. In 2024 alone, over $4.5 billion was spent on lobbying in the U.S., and a Princeton study found that the preferences of 90% of Americans are ignored by Congress — only the interests of economic elites and special interest groups shape legislation.
If we want a government truly of the people, by the people, and for the people, our elected officials must be protected from the corrupting influence of money. We need to Make Bribery Illegal Again — enforce strict campaign finance reform, limit lobbyist influence, and ensure that public service is driven by duty, not dollars.
Integrity isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of democracy. Without it, the government belongs not to the people, but to those with the deepest pockets.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Over the years I managed bookkeeping, sales support, facility tours, logistics support for events. I was a music teacher (violin and piano performance), athletics trainer (tennis, weight lifting, and Brazilian Ju-Jistu), and staff trainer.
Gary in many ways changed my life - he instilled in me a compassion for others and a constant desire to learn.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
The House also has distinctive constitutional powers: it originates all revenue and spending bills and holds the sole power of impeachment, making it central to fiscal policy and government oversight. Its large membership—435 representatives—encourages specialization through committees and fosters a dynamic, fast-moving legislative environment.
Overall, the House’s design emphasizes responsiveness, representation, and accountability, embodying the democratic principle that government authority derives from the people’s consent.
Brian Tetrud (D)
However, experience isn’t everything. Fresh perspectives from people outside traditional politics can challenge entrenched interests, bring innovation, and reconnect Congress with everyday concerns. The ideal balance is a mix of seasoned legislators who understand the system and newcomers who question it — combining institutional knowledge with new energy to keep government both effective and responsive.
I represent a fresh perspective that is against many of the norms my seasoned peers have accepted as reality, like bribery in politics. I'm here to fight these norms.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Our national debt is reaching unsustainable levels — currently, 20% of government expenditures go just to service interest. Continually spending more than we take in threatens economic stability and risks eventual bankruptcy. Responsible fiscal policy is critical to protect future generations.
War and Foreign Policy Over the past 30 years, unnecessary military interventions have created enemies and strained resources. The U.S. must resolve conflicts with other major powers through diplomacy and cooperation, not by acting as the world’s police. Strategic engagement, not endless warfare, is key to national security.
Education Our global leadership depends on intellectual capital. Declining education outcomes threaten innovation and competitiveness. We must invest in quality education, equitable access, and workforce development to ensure the U.S. remains a leading power.
Healthcare Every American should be able to afford basic healthcare coverage. It is unacceptable that we pay multiples more than other developed nations. We must reduce the influence of biopharma and hospital lobbying so that medical progress benefits all citizens, not just corporate profits.
Economic Inequality
The wealth gap continues to widen, limiting social mobility and undermining social cohesion. Addressing fair wages, affordable housing, and equitable taxation is essential to create a more just and stable society.
Brian Tetrud (D)
On the other hand, two years is a very short time to legislate effectively. Representatives often spend much of their term fundraising and campaigning, leaving less time for long-term policymaking or bipartisan collaboration.
Overall, while the two-year term promotes accountability, it can hinder stability and thoughtful governance. A slightly longer term—such as four years—might allow representatives to focus more on policy and less on constant reelection pressures, though it would reduce voters’ direct influence.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
One constituent stands out to me: an immigrant working multiple entry-level jobs while caring for an elderly parent. She shared the stress of navigating healthcare, unpredictable work hours, and the constant fear of losing her home — all while trying to provide stability for her family. She asked me, simply, how I could make her life easier.
Her story made it clear that healthcare reform is not optional. A lapse in coverage or a single accident could mean financial ruin for many hardworking families — just for the basic right to stay alive. Protecting workers in the workplace and ensuring fair compensation is equally critical.
Income inequality is growing, and we must ensure that our country protects its own people. Everyone contributes to society and deserves to share in its rewards. That means ending tax loopholes, fairly taxing the wealthy, and using those resources to provide education, healthcare, and social services to those who need it most. Policies like these aren’t just numbers on a page — they are the difference between survival and stability for families like hers.
Brian Tetrud (D)
However, compromise should be principled, not a surrender of core values. It works best when grounded in evidence, transparency, and mutual respect, allowing differing perspectives to shape policies that serve the common good. Many historic achievements — from civil rights legislation to economic reforms — were the result of thoughtful compromise that balanced ideals with practical action.
In short, compromise is not weakness; it is a tool of governance, enabling policymakers to build consensus, enact durable legislation, and create outcomes that reflect the needs and interests of the broader public.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Equally important, I would use this power to advance campaign finance reform, ensuring that elections and policymaking are driven by constituents, not by wealthy donors or foreign interests. By limiting the influence of foreign lobbies and enforcing transparency in political contributions, we can protect the integrity of our democratic process.
Ultimately, the House’s role in originating revenue bills is more than procedural — it is a tool to make government responsive, fair, and accountable, funding programs that help Americans while safeguarding our democracy from undue influence.
Brian Tetrud (D)
These powers must be exercised objectively and transparently, without partisan bias, to maintain public trust. By gathering facts, holding hearings, and producing actionable reports, the House can guide effective legislation, correct abuses, and prevent future misconduct.
In short, investigative powers are a tool to strengthen democracy, ensure government accountability, and make sure that policies and officials serve the people — not special interests or political advantage.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Brian Tetrud (D)
Regulation and Oversight: Establish clear safety, privacy, and ethical standards to prevent misuse of AI, protect personal data, and ensure fairness.
Research and Innovation: Fund basic and applied AI research, support public-private partnerships, and ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive while prioritizing public benefit.
Workforce and Economic Policy: Prepare workers for AI-driven changes by investing in education, reskilling programs, and initiatives that reduce economic displacement.
National Security and Public Safety: Ensure AI is deployed responsibly in critical infrastructure, defense, and public services while mitigating risks like autonomous weapons or biased algorithms.
International Leadership: Promote global cooperation on AI ethics, standards, and governance to prevent misuse and ensure that AI benefits humanity broadly.
Ultimately, the government should guide AI development to maximize societal benefit, protect citizens, and promote innovation, while avoiding heavy-handed restrictions that stifle progress.
Brian Tetrud (D)
Election Security and Integrity: I would support measures like the Protect American Election Administration Act of 2023 (H.R. 2934), which aims to prevent private entities from funding state-administered federal elections, thereby reducing the risk of external influence and ensuring that election processes are publicly funded and accountable.
Voter Access and Participation: I would advocate for legislation that expands access to voting, such as enhancing early voting options, implementing automatic voter registration, and ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots without unnecessary obstacles.
Campaign Finance Reform: I would work towards reducing the influence of money in politics by supporting reforms that increase transparency in campaign financing, limit the impact of dark money, and ensure that elections are decided by voters, not by the wealthiest donors.
Protection of Election Workers: I would support federal measures to protect election officials and workers from threats and harassment, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
Combating Foreign Interference: I would advocate for stronger safeguards against foreign interference in U.S. elections, including enhanced cybersecurity measures and stricter regulations on foreign lobbying and influence.
By focusing on these areas, I aim to strengthen the foundation of our democracy, ensuring that every eligible American has the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections.
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Mullin | Democratic Party | $308,268 | $227,423 | $132,616 | As of June 30, 2025 |
| Brian Tetrud | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
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Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
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General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
| Race ratings: California's 15th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
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| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 10/7/2025 | 9/30/2025 | 9/23/2025 | 9/16/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. | |||||||||
Ballot access
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
See also: California's 15th Congressional District election, 2024
California's 15th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 15
Incumbent Kevin Mullin defeated Anna Cheng Kramer in the general election for U.S. House California District 15 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kevin Mullin (D) | 73.1 | 211,648 |
 | Anna Cheng Kramer (R) | 26.9 | 77,896 | |
| Total votes: 289,544 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 15
Incumbent Kevin Mullin and Anna Cheng Kramer advanced from the primary for U.S. House California District 15 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kevin Mullin (D) | 75.3 | 109,172 |
| ✔ | | Anna Cheng Kramer (R) | 24.7 | 35,868 |
| Total votes: 145,040 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Timothy Wong (D)
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 15
Kevin Mullin defeated David Canepa in the general election for U.S. House California District 15 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kevin Mullin (D) | 55.5 | 108,077 |
 | David Canepa (D) | 44.5 | 86,797 | |
| Total votes: 194,874 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 15
The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 15 on June 7, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kevin Mullin (D) | 41.1 | 58,806 |
| ✔ | | David Canepa (D) | 24.1 | 34,488 |
 | Gus Mattammal (R) | 16.5 | 23,625 | |
 | Emily Beach (D) | 14.6 | 20,816 | |
 | Jim Garrity (Independent) | 2.2 | 3,081 | |
 | Andrew Watters (D) | 1.1 | 1,551 | |
 | Ferenc Pataki (Independent) | 0.5 | 671 | |
| Total votes: 143,038 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jackie Cota (R)
- David Brandt (Independent)
2020
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 15
Incumbent Eric Swalwell defeated Alison Hayden in the general election for U.S. House California District 15 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Eric Swalwell (D) | 70.9 | 242,991 |
 | Alison Hayden (R) | 29.1 | 99,710 | |
| Total votes: 342,701 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 15
The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 15 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Eric Swalwell (D) | 59.0 | 103,826 |
| ✔ | | Alison Hayden (R) | 17.0 | 29,864 |
| Sam Campbell (D) | 9.8 | 17,286 | ||
 | Peter Liu (R) | 7.8 | 13,634 | |
| Tuan Phan (D) | 3.7 | 6,509 | ||
| Austin Intal (D) | 1.4 | 2,548 | ||
 | Don Grundmann (Independent) | 1.2 | 2,194 | |
| Total votes: 175,861 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Aisha Wahab (D)
- Jacob Vital (Independent)
- Bob Wieckowski (D)
District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
See also
| California | 2026 primaries | 2026 U.S. Congress elections |
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Voting in California California elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries |
U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
