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California's 51st Congressional District election, 2026

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


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California's 51st 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 51st 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 51st 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 51

Incumbent Sara Jacobs, John-Samuel Etheridge Williams, and Mike Bucy are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 51 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Sara Jacobs
Sara Jacobs (D)
Image of John-Samuel Etheridge Williams
John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R) Candidate Connection
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Mike Bucy (Independent)

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

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.

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.

John-Samuel Etheridge Williams

Image of John-Samuel Etheridge Williams

WebsiteFacebookYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I’m a proud San Diego native of Mexican and African-American descent, a devoted husband, and a father of three amazing kids. I’m running for Congress, but not as a typical candidate. I’m committed to a grassroots campaign, just the people. I work at the airport, earning $18 an hour, a single income household in San Diego with three children so I understand the struggles of everyday families because I have been living it. With a BA in African American Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration I understand two things well, people and how good policy is made. Sadly these days policy is made without regard to the people it will affect. So I’m ready to fight for real change. This campaign isn’t driven by money—it’s driven by people. We don’t need wealth to make a difference but thats what I have been told you cant run a campaign without a big bank. We have made that the norm but this campaign will fight for the people because their voice matters more than money. Its NOT I the politician its WE the people so I am willing to take on the political establishment in order to protect the constitutional rights of my constituents."

Key Messages

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

Im going to bring integrity back to politics. For far too long Politicians have used and abused people with their promises during election time and then leave them in the shadows the rest of the year. We need someone to represent us that will be able to bring a hard work ethic and standard of ethics when it comes to forming good policy that will benefit the greater good even if it is at the cost of their personal success or popularity. I believe I have been preparing for that role my entire life coming from a legacy of hardworking and honest Americans who desire to serve their country. Politicians have forgotten it is NOT I the politician it is WE the people. They are accountable to those same people.

San Diego has for far too long been the untenable dream for many. For natives like my family you are forced to struggle amidst this coastal paradise or leave the place your family has called home for generations. Housing costs have far exceeded wages. Job growth has not exceeded grocery prices and the cost of health care casts a looming shadow every month for working class Americans. San Diegans deserve better. Working class families deserve better at-least the fight chance to make their own way in the city they've called home. I intend to make it my personal mission to make San Diego affordable again for my constituents and city. That is a tall order I know but it we work together on creative solutions we can work hard to grasp it.

How many of us have faith in our Congress? How many of us trust our Congress? It is not uncommon for many to even balk at the thought of trusting their representative body. That is because I believe they realize money and popularity has been prioritized over money.

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

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JohnSamuel_Williams_20250129_045246.png

John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Im going to bring integrity back to politics. For far too long Politicians have used and abused people with their promises during election time and then leave them in the shadows the rest of the year. We need someone to represent us that will be able to bring a hard work ethic and standard of ethics when it comes to forming good policy that will benefit the greater good even if it is at the cost of their personal success or popularity. I believe I have been preparing for that role my entire life coming from a legacy of hardworking and honest Americans who desire to serve their country. Politicians have forgotten it is NOT I the politician it is WE the people. They are accountable to those same people.

San Diego has for far too long been the untenable dream for many. For natives like my family you are forced to struggle amidst this coastal paradise or leave the place your family has called home for generations. Housing costs have far exceeded wages. Job growth has not exceeded grocery prices and the cost of health care casts a looming shadow every month for working class Americans. San Diegans deserve better. Working class families deserve better at-least the fight chance to make their own way in the city they've called home. I intend to make it my personal mission to make San Diego affordable again for my constituents and city. That is a tall order I know but it we work together on creative solutions we can work hard to grasp it.

How many of us have faith in our Congress? How many of us trust our Congress? It is not uncommon for many to even balk at the thought of trusting their representative body. That is because I believe they realize money and popularity has been prioritized over money.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JohnSamuel_Williams_20250129_045246.png

John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Im passionate about housing policy as well as education and especially the impact of homelessness on so many areas of public policy that have a direct affect on our homes. I believe that we need more creative solutions to making housing more affordable to all. A big part of that as well is ensuring the education system where families are settling is able to give a standard of education that will set up our next generation for success. That includes a generation that is being left out on the streets without much hope. Homelessness is one of the single biggest failures of public policy in San Diego. We have overspent and underdelivered and every tax paying San Diegan and citizens facing homelessness are suffering as a result.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I have always admired both my grandparents. My mexican grandfather fought in the Korean war and came back to signs that said “No dogs and no Mexicans” and my black grandfather grew up in the Jim Crow south and joined the Navy during segregation and still managed to achieve the highest rank enlisted. Both of them did not accept failure and despite their circumstances refused to quit on themselves. They showed a courage in fighting for what they knew would be a better America one day for their kids and grandkids. They never stopped learning and always encouraged me to do the same. I want to follow their example because that is exactly the kind of man I want to be. One who has the courage to look suffering in the eye and say you are only going to make me stronger. Thats been my life turning hard times into fuel. They have both passed but I feel like they are still watching me. I want to stand up and show them and all my ancestors that risked so much that the descendant of mexican farmers and revolutionaries and enslaved peoples sacrifice wasn't in vain and would one day walk the halls of Congress and be a leader that would transform what they knew America could be into a reality.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Glory. Watch Glory. A movie depicting one of the first all black regiments during the Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts. Their commander Colonel Robert Gould Shaw through personal sacrifice and a desire to inspire these men of color to greatness in spite of their history lead them from the front. He was a servant leader who eventually even sacrificed his life for his men and country.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I think they should be of good character. Practically that means they should be friend you have the confidence to go to for wisdom but the heart you would seek for understanding. They should be a statesmen and follow a code of ethics that supersedes even their personal ambitions. They should put the greater good of the people they serve first always in their heart and mind.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Im a servant leader and the only reason I learned to be that is the example of my savior Jesus Christ. I believe to be any kind of leader you must have the heart of servant who puts the greater good of the people above even his own ambitions. It is a natural instinct for me to fight for the people who feel marginalized because I know how that feels. To be a voice for those who are struggling to make ends meet because I have been there.

I am FOR the people because I am FROM the people and I know its not I the politician its WE the people.

I will be unrelenting in the halls of Congress to see my community thrive again and to bring integrity back to politics.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

They have the responsibility to be a servant leader to form and influence good public policy that will see their community thrive. They have a responsibility to feel the heartbeat of their constituents and then be their voice in the halls of Congress that their potential sufferings never be made silent or unconsidered. They have the responsibility to be an advocate and representative to help them to better understand what is going on in the halls of Congress and our government.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

One that would make my community and country greater than any name I could make for myself.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I was in middle school during 9-11. I was on my way to school when I heard chatter on the radio about an attack in New York by the time I got to school the teacher set up a TV and we watched as the second plane struck the tower. It had a profound effect on me seeing that level of devastation and sadness on my country.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I worked at Seaworld at the Happy Harbor playground. I remember thinking after my first paycheck I was rich which was about 50 dollars. I cant remember how long I worked there but it wasn't long before the smell of Shamus tank got to me.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Besides the bible which I didnt start reading until my 20’s but gave me a rock to cling to when I was struggling with addiction. I would honestly say A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah it is about a child soldier in Africa and it brings tears to my eyes to think while I had a relatively normal childhood there are many out there who are fighting just to be a child. I also love any kind of poetry books especially ones by Tennessee Williams or Charles Bukowski.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

The Dark Knight without a doubt. But close second is Black Panther.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Country Road by John Denver (Can you tell I was on a roadtrip through the mountains?)
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I have always struggled with doubt until my grandfather taught me that sometimes you just have to do things afraid until they no longer scare you. I learned to take what many saw as weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique in many ways. It represents populations of The United States by district, with more populous states having more representatives such as California. Members only serve two-year terms, making the House more responsive to public opinion and representatives accountable to their constituents. The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills and plays a central role in the federal budget. Its size (435 members) creates a more structured, party-driven system compared to the Senate, with stricter debate rules. The House is also responsible for impeachment, though the Senate handles trials. It focuses more on domestic issues, maintaining closer ties to local constituencies.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Beneficial of course. Necessary? Absolutely not because the most important thing that the most beneficial is that they have the good character and capacity to put and keep their hand on the heartbeat of their constituents and country to be able to form policy that would let them thrive and protect their constitutional rights. In many ways that previous experience can actually hurt their ability to lead because it can make them blind and unable to consider the people they lead because they put political pandering or ambitions or even status quo above the greater good. I would argue that sometimes a fresh face coupled with creative ideas from a new candidate is not only helpful but necessary.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I think one of the biggest challenges to overcome is our own desire for political retribution over the greater good of the country. What I mean is if we tend away from bipartisanship then we neglect the people we were elected to serve and our country will decline and working class families will suffer.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

I think it is appropriate because that is what our founding fathers considered appropriate as the foundations for our legislative system. I would also consider on top of that a further limit on a representatives overall terms of service.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

They need to be expanded especially where poor leadership has infected the areas of government and public administrations.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

George Washington as a representative for the state of Virginia set the standard for our country to thrive and one that I greatly admire. He believed that in order for our constitutional republic to thrive we must remain united. He set the standard for knowing when to step down and pass the torch of democracy and putting the greater good even above personal ambitions especially in his farewell address.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

My neighbor a lifelong Democrat attended my Grandfathers repass and we talked extensively about politics. Without knowing my party we agreed on more things than we both expected when she found out I was a Republican. That had a profound effect on how I want to lead because I realized we are truly all in this together and that we cant escape the responsibility as representatives to lead those and put the greater good of those even we disagree with above our personal shortcomings or ambitions. Suffering and struggle doesnt care what party you belong to but a community is united when we try to bear those burdens for each other.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Im sorry I dont want to TACO bout my favorite joke. Ha!
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

It can be when it comes to issues that require it. What I mean is there can be no compromise when it comes to the Constitutional Rights and liberties that the people are endowed with. However when it comes to forming policy that will ultimately be successful and effective it is often more effective to gain the wisdom of many so long as it is in the best interest of the people.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

It would put the highest level of care and understanding for what kind of policy is being enacted at the forefront of my mind. When it comes to managing that revenue means that you have families and administrative budgets and communities in your hands. Therefore the utmost consideration and care even to exhausting all research and possibilities must be taken.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Carefully and Constitutionally with an emphasis and great consideration on the latter.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

If my community endorses my campaign thats enough for me. They are the endorsement that truly matters to me.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

Ethics, Ways and Means, Veterans Affairs as well as Education and Workforce I believe play to my strengths and I would be eager to serve on them to the benefit and greater good of my constituents and country.
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John-Samuel Etheridge Williams (R)

There should be the utmost transparency when it comes to any financial policy or dealings. The people deserve and have a right to know where their hard earned tax dollars are being spent and how. The government has always and need be always accountable not just at election time but all the time to the people they were elected to represent.


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
Sara Jacobs Democratic Party $447,651 $305,787 $219,236 As of June 30, 2025
John-Samuel Etheridge Williams Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Mike Bucy Independent $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 51st Congressional District election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
9/23/20259/16/20259/9/20259/2/2025
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

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 51st Congressional District election, 2024

California's 51st Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 51

Incumbent Sara Jacobs defeated Bill Wells in the general election for U.S. House California District 51 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Sara Jacobs
Sara Jacobs (D)
 
60.7
 
198,835
Image of Bill Wells
Bill Wells (R)
 
39.3
 
128,749

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 327,584
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 51

Incumbent Sara Jacobs and Bill Wells defeated Stan Caplan and Hilaire Shioura in the primary for U.S. House California District 51 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Sara Jacobs
Sara Jacobs (D)
 
57.4
 
90,901
✔
Image of Bill Wells
Bill Wells (R)
 
39.1
 
61,923
Image of Stan Caplan
Stan Caplan (No party preference) Candidate Connection
 
2.0
 
3,164
Image of Hilaire Shioura
Hilaire Shioura (No party preference) Candidate Connection
 
1.6
 
2,496

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 158,484
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 51st Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 51

Incumbent Sara Jacobs defeated Stan Caplan in the general election for U.S. House California District 51 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Sara Jacobs
Sara Jacobs (D)
 
61.9
 
144,186
Image of Stan Caplan
Stan Caplan (R)
 
38.1
 
88,886

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 233,072
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 51

Incumbent Sara Jacobs and Stan Caplan defeated Jose Cortes and Barrett Holman Leak in the primary for U.S. House California District 51 on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Sara Jacobs
Sara Jacobs (D)
 
60.5
 
91,329
✔
Image of Stan Caplan
Stan Caplan (R)
 
37.2
 
56,183
Image of Jose Cortes
Jose Cortes (Peace and Freedom Party of California) Candidate Connection
 
2.2
 
3,343
Image of Barrett Holman Leak
Barrett Holman Leak (D) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
55

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 150,910
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 51st Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 51

Incumbent Juan Vargas defeated Juan Hidalgo in the general election for U.S. House California District 51 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Juan Vargas
Juan Vargas (D)
 
68.3
 
165,596
Image of Juan Hidalgo
Juan Hidalgo (R)
 
31.7
 
76,841

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 242,437
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 51

Incumbent Juan Vargas and Juan Hidalgo advanced from the primary for U.S. House California District 51 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Juan Vargas
Juan Vargas (D)
 
71.4
 
77,744
✔
Image of Juan Hidalgo
Juan Hidalgo (R)
 
28.6
 
31,209

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 108,953
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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California congressional delegation
Voting in California
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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


California's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Alex Padilla (D)
Adam Schiff (D)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
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)


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2025-2026 Elections to the United States Congress
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