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California's 26th Congressional District election, 2026

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The boundaries of this district will change as a result of California Proposition 50, which voters approved on November 5, 2025. Click here to read more about the mid-decade redistricting effort in California and other states.


2024
California's 26th 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.
Voting in California

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic
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
California's 26th Congressional District
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California elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

All U.S. House districts, including the 26th 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

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House California District 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley, Samuel Gallucci, Michael Koslow, William Scott, and Jonathan Wagoner are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 26 on November 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = 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.

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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.

Image of Jonathan Wagoner

WebsiteFacebookXYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I’m Jonathan Wagoner, a husband, father, small business owner, and proud resident of Ventura County. I wasn’t born into politics. I was raised by a single mother who taught me the value of hard work, faith, and community. I started working right out of high school, cleaning carpets and later working in management at a large retail chain, before launching my own restoration company and eventually co-founding a digital marketing business to help other local service businesses grow. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to build something from nothing, how broken our systems can be, and how out of touch many of our elected officials are. I’m not running for Congress to become part of the political machine. I’m running because I believe Ventura County deserves a representative who’s been in the trenches, understands real-world struggles, and is ready to bring people together to find real solutions."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


I’m not a career politician. I’m just a regular guy who has lived the challenges Ventura County families face every day. I’m running for Congress to bring common-sense leadership, restore trust, and focus on real solutions instead of party politics. It’s time to put people over partisanship and elect someone who has been in the trenches and understands what it means to work hard, listen, and lead with integrity.


I believe leadership means showing up, listening, and getting things done. Ventura County deserves a representative who will put the community first, not party agendas. I’ll work across the aisle to protect working families, support small businesses, and bring accountability back to government. I’m here to make a real difference for the people who call this place home.


I’m running to bring Ventura County the kind of leadership it deserves, grounded in real-life experience, not political ambition. I’ve built businesses, faced challenges, and worked hard to create opportunities for others. In Congress, I’ll bring that same drive to fight for working families, protect our local economy, and deliver solutions that actually improve lives. This campaign is about service, not status.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

I’m not a career politician. I’m just a regular guy who has lived the challenges Ventura County families face every day. I’m running for Congress to bring common-sense leadership, restore trust, and focus on real solutions instead of party politics. It’s time to put people over partisanship and elect someone who has been in the trenches and understands what it means to work hard, listen, and lead with integrity.

I believe leadership means showing up, listening, and getting things done. Ventura County deserves a representative who will put the community first, not party agendas. I’ll work across the aisle to protect working families, support small businesses, and bring accountability back to government. I’m here to make a real difference for the people who call this place home.

I’m running to bring Ventura County the kind of leadership it deserves, grounded in real-life experience, not political ambition. I’ve built businesses, faced challenges, and worked hard to create opportunities for others. In Congress, I’ll bring that same drive to fight for working families, protect our local economy, and deliver solutions that actually improve lives. This campaign is about service, not status.
I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens working families, supports small businesses, and restores trust in government. I care deeply about economic opportunity, lowering the cost of living, and reducing the red tape that holds entrepreneurs back. I believe in term limits, improving public safety, and protecting our seniors by ensuring they have access to quality care, financial security, and the respect they’ve earned. Above all, I want policies that put people over politics and deliver real results for Ventura County.
I look up to my mom more than anyone. She raised me and my brother as a single mother, worked hard every day, and never gave up even when things were tough. She beat cancer, kept our family together, and showed me what real strength, faith, and resilience look like. Her example taught me to work hard, stay grounded, and always put people first. If I can lead with even a fraction of her courage and heart, I will be doing something right.
The most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a willingness to listen. We need leaders who show up, tell the truth, and follow through. An official should serve the people, not a party or personal ambition. They should lead with humility, make decisions based on what is right rather than what is politically convenient, and always remember they work for the community.
I bring a strong work ethic, real-life experience, and a deep commitment to serving others. I have built businesses from the ground up, led teams, and navigated challenges that many families and small business owners face every day. I listen before I speak, I lead with integrity, and I follow through on what I say. I believe these qualities, combined with my passion for our community, would make me an effective and accountable representative.
The core responsibilities of a member of Congress are to represent the people, protect the Constitution, and deliver real results for their district. That means listening to the community, writing and voting on legislation that improves lives, and holding the federal government accountable. It also means being accessible, transparent, and always putting the interests of the people above politics or party lines.
I’m not focused on leaving a legacy. Focusing too much on legacy can become a distraction from serving others. I want to stay present, do the work, and make decisions based on what is right for the people I represent. If anything is remembered, I hope it is that I showed up, listened, and did everything I could to make life better for my community.
The first historical event I clearly remember is September 11th. I was 12 years old at the time. Even at that young age, I knew the world had changed. I remember the fear, the confusion, and the deep sense of unity that followed.
My very first job was working as a janitor at my church. I was just a teenager, and I held that job for a little over two years. It taught me the value of hard work, showing up on time, and taking pride in every task, no matter how small. That experience shaped a lot of how I approach work and service today.
The House of Representatives is unique because it is the chamber closest to the people. With two-year terms and smaller districts, members of the House are held accountable more frequently and are expected to stay closely connected to their communities. It was designed to reflect the voice of the people, and when it functions as intended, it ensures that everyday Americans have a seat at the table in shaping the direction of our country.
Experience in government can be helpful, but it should not be a requirement. What matters most is integrity, leadership, and a willingness to serve the people, not a political agenda. In many cases, career politicians become disconnected from the real world. I believe bringing in people with real-life experience in business, family, and community can lead to better, more practical decision-making. Washington needs more common sense and fewer career insiders.
One of our greatest challenges over the next decade will be restoring trust in our institutions and bridging the divide between Americans. We’re facing rising costs of living, a struggling middle class, a broken immigration system, and increasing threats to national security. At the same time, we need to address government overreach, protect individual freedoms, and get serious about fiscal responsibility. Meeting these challenges will take real leadership, common sense, and the courage to put country before politics.
I believe two-year terms keep representatives accountable, which is important. They are a reminder that elected officials work for the people and must stay connected to their communities. However, the short term also means constant campaigning, which can distract from doing the job. I support exploring reforms that maintain accountability while allowing more time to focus on results. Ultimately, what matters most is how a representative uses their time in office to serve the people with integrity and purpose.
I fully support term limits. Public service should never become a lifelong career. When politicians stay in office too long, they lose touch with the people they’re supposed to represent. Term limits bring fresh ideas, new energy, and real accountability. They help prevent corruption, reduce influence from lobbyists, and ensure that elected officials stay focused on serving the people not holding onto power.
Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking, as long as it does not require sacrificing core values. In a country as diverse as ours, we will not agree on everything, but that should not stop us from finding common ground. Good leadership means listening, negotiating in good faith, and delivering results that move us forward. We need less political grandstanding and more real solutions. Compromise, when done right, is not a sign of weakness but a sign of a functioning democracy.
The power to originate revenue bills is a critical responsibility, and I would take that role seriously. If elected, I would prioritize using this authority to push for fiscally responsible policies that ease the burden on working families, support small businesses, and reduce wasteful spending. Every dollar raised and spent by the federal government should be accountable to the people. I would focus on making sure tax and spending policies reflect the needs of Ventura County, not special interests in Washington.
I’m interested in serving on committees that focus on the real challenges facing everyday Americans. The Small Business Committee stands out because I know firsthand how hard it is to build and sustain a business. I’m also interested in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is critical for Ventura County’s growth and safety, and the Oversight and Accountability Committee to help restore trust in government. I want to be where I can make the biggest impact for the people I serve.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know how every dollar is being spent and why. We need to eliminate waste, expose backroom deals, and make sure elected officials are held to the same standards as the people they represent. I support strict oversight and public access to spending and voting records. Trust in government starts with telling the truth and leading by example.


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
Julia Brownley Democratic Party $475,083 $279,136 $1,138,305 As of September 30, 2025
Samuel Gallucci Republican Party $173,293 $103,770 $69,523 As of September 30, 2025
Michael Koslow Republican Party $28,544 $35,713 $4,142 As of September 30, 2025
William Scott Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Jonathan Wagoner Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

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."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

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 26th Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
11/4/202510/28/202510/21/202510/14/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The HillPendingPendingPendingPending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe 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

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in California in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in California, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
California U.S. House All candidates 40-60 $1,740 3/6/2026 Source


District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

2024

See also: California's 26th Congressional District election, 2024

California's 26th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley defeated Michael Koslow in the general election for U.S. House California District 26 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
56.1
 
187,393
Image of Michael Koslow
Michael Koslow (R) Candidate Connection
 
43.9
 
146,913

Total votes: 334,306
Candidate Connection = 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 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley and Michael Koslow defeated Bruce Boyer and Chris Anstead in the primary for U.S. House California District 26 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
51.4
 
84,997
Image of Michael Koslow
Michael Koslow (R) Candidate Connection
 
33.8
 
55,908
Image of Bruce Boyer
Bruce Boyer (R)
 
10.7
 
17,707
Image of Chris Anstead
Chris Anstead (D)
 
4.1
 
6,841

Total votes: 165,453
Candidate Connection = 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

2022

See also: California's 26th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley defeated Matt Jacobs in the general election for U.S. House California District 26 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
54.5
 
134,575
Image of Matt Jacobs
Matt Jacobs (R) Candidate Connection
 
45.5
 
112,214

Total votes: 246,789
Candidate Connection = 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 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley and Matt Jacobs defeated Paul Nathan Taylor, David Goodman, and Fadde Mikhail in the primary for U.S. House California District 26 on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
54.3
 
91,535
Image of Matt Jacobs
Matt Jacobs (R) Candidate Connection
 
38.4
 
64,835
Image of Paul Nathan Taylor
Paul Nathan Taylor (R)
 
3.3
 
5,612
Image of David Goodman
David Goodman (Independent)
 
2.3
 
3,950
Image of Fadde Mikhail
Fadde Mikhail (R) Candidate Connection
 
1.6
 
2,775

Total votes: 168,707
Candidate Connection = 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

2020

See also: California's 26th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley defeated Ronda Kennedy in the general election for U.S. House California District 26 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
60.6
 
208,856
Image of Ronda Kennedy
Ronda Kennedy (R)
 
39.4
 
135,877

Total votes: 344,733
Candidate Connection = 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 26

Incumbent Julia Brownley and Ronda Kennedy defeated Robert Salas and Enrique Petris in the primary for U.S. House California District 26 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Julia Brownley
Julia Brownley (D)
 
55.8
 
106,141
Image of Ronda Kennedy
Ronda Kennedy (R)
 
35.6
 
67,579
Robert Salas (D) Candidate Connection
 
6.7
 
12,717
Image of Enrique Petris
Enrique Petris (D)
 
1.9
 
3,624

Total votes: 190,061
Candidate Connection = 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



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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Ballot access

External links

Footnotes

  1. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  2. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  3. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  4. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
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District 5
District 6
Ami Bera (D)
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Adam Gray (D)
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
Ro Khanna (D)
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
Jim Costa (D)
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
Raul Ruiz (D)
District 26
District 27
District 28
Judy Chu (D)
District 29
Luz Rivas (D)
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
Ted Lieu (D)
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
Young Kim (R)
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
Dave Min (D)
District 48
District 49
District 50
District 51
District 52
Democratic Party (45)
Republican Party (9)