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California's 30th Congressional District election, 2024

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2026
2022
California's 30th Congressional District
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Top-two primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: December 8, 2023
Primary: March 5, 2024
General: November 5, 2024
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: Safe Democratic
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, 2024
See also
California's 30th Congressional District
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California elections, 2024
U.S. Congress elections, 2024
U.S. Senate elections, 2024
U.S. House elections, 2024

All U.S. House districts, including the 30th Congressional District of California, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was March 5, 2024. The filing deadline was December 8, 2023.

Both Laura Friedman (D) and Alex Balekian (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click here to read their responses.

The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies.[1] As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215.[2] To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, Democrats won the general election with no Republican opposition. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Joe Biden (D) would have defeated Donald Trump (R) 72.2%-26.0%.[3]

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 30

Laura Friedman defeated Alex Balekian in the general election for U.S. House California District 30 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Laura Friedman
Laura Friedman (D) Candidate Connection
 
68.4
 
213,100
Image of Alex Balekian
Alex Balekian (R) Candidate Connection
 
31.6
 
98,559

Total votes: 311,659
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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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 30

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 30 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Laura Friedman
Laura Friedman (D) Candidate Connection
 
30.1
 
46,329
Image of Alex Balekian
Alex Balekian (R) Candidate Connection
 
17.4
 
26,826
Image of Anthony Portantino, Jr.
Anthony Portantino, Jr. (D)
 
13.3
 
20,459
Image of Mike Feuer
Mike Feuer (D)
 
12.3
 
18,878
Image of Maebe A. Girl
Maebe A. Girl (D) Candidate Connection
 
10.3
 
15,791
J. Emilio Martinez (R)
 
4.4
 
6,775
Image of Ben Savage
Ben Savage (D)
 
4.0
 
6,147
Image of Nick Melvoin
Nick Melvoin (D)
 
2.7
 
4,134
Image of Jirair Ratevosian
Jirair Ratevosian (D) Candidate Connection
 
1.9
 
2,889
Image of Sepi Shyne
Sepi Shyne (D)
 
1.4
 
2,126
Image of Courtney Najera
Courtney Najera (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.8
 
1,167
Image of Joshua Bocanegra
Joshua Bocanegra (No party preference)
 
0.5
 
780
Image of Steve Dunwoody
Steve Dunwoody (D)
 
0.5
 
727
Image of Francesco Arreaga
Francesco Arreaga (D)
 
0.3
 
532
Image of Sal Genovese
Sal Genovese (D)
 
0.3
 
442

Total votes: 154,002
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

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 Laura Friedman

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Laura Friedman is running to succeed Congressmember Adam Schiff in California’s 30th Congressional District. Laura has an extraordinary record of progressive leadership as a State Assemblymember; Glendale City Councilmember and Mayor, community activist; and in the private sector. From banning gun shows from being held on Glendale city property and across the street from schools, authoring meaningful legislation to add more affordable housing, ending the fur trade in California, co-authoring single-payer healthcare legislation and authoring first-in-the-nation legislation to combat climate change, Laura has achieved results on every progressive issue in California politics. Now she wants to use her experience to bring about effective change in Congress."


Key Messages

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


For the past seven years, I have developed a reputation as being a legislator unafraid to tackle big and often controversial issues, while also being highly effective. I am proud of my work to increase the production of affordable housing, fight climate change, increase investments in transit, to protect civil rights and increase access to healthcare. I have demonstrated that I work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, even when it takes years, to pass meaningful legislation important to our state.


Of all the candidates in the race, I have the greatest amount of endorsements which are truly meaningful to the voters in this district. I have been endorsed by the LA Times, by far the most Democratic Clubs, IATSE, and trusted leaders including Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, California Treasurer Fiona Ma, LA City Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Hugo Soto Martinez and Katy Yaroslovsky, Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz, Burbank Councilmembers Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, and Glendale Councilmember Paula Devine. My candidacy is supported by the League of Conservation Voters, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Emily’s List, and dozens more.


As a California State Assemblymember, as a Glendale City Councilmember and Mayor, I have led on groundbreaking local and state environmental policies. I have been a steadfast advocate for increasing our investments in, and commitment to, 100% clean renewable energy; decarbonizing our economy; reducing single-passenger vehicle trips and investing instead in better, more efficient, mass transit options. This is the reason that I’ve been endorsed by every major environmental group which has taken a position in the race.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 30 in 2024.

Image of Alex Balekian

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Hello, I’m Alex Balekian. Glendale, California, has been my home for my entire life. I've grown up here, learned from the local public school system, and it's here where I've built my life and career. From this strong foundation, I dedicated myself to becoming an ICU physician. The experience was transformative, especially during the COVID crisis. The frontlines taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and selfless service—lessons I aim to carry forward in my public service. Now, I'm excited to take on a new challenge. In 2024, I'll be your candidate for the House in CA-30. My fiscal conservatism and social moderation guide my perspectives on policy, aiming for balance and pragmatism over political extremes. I'm not your traditional politician, and I stand firm against the influence of lobbyists. My mission? To reignite the civic spirit within our communities, to encourage more regular people like you and me to get involved, to take part in shaping our future. I'm Alex Balekian, and I'm ready to represent you in Congress. Let's stand together to bring about the change we need."


Key Messages

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


I'm dedicated to serving all citizens, challenging entrenched politics, and promoting diversity. I support term limits to invigorate public service with fresh ideas and counter political stagnation. I'm also committed to campaign finance reform, aiming to diminish money's influence in politics and uphold the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'. Together, we can build a government that truly represents us all. We need a political outsider like me to help usher in a new age of government accountability.


At the core of my campaign is an unwavering commitment to the middle class and small businesses - the true lifeblood of our economy. These hardworking individuals and organizations form the backbone of our communities, and their prosperity directly translates into the overall health of our nation. For too long, the middle class and small business owners have been burdened with excessive taxes and entangled in bureaucratic red tape. My mission is to cut through these barriers, paving the way for an economic environment that encourages growth and innovation. I will fight tirelessly against unfair taxation and overregulation that cripple the very individuals and businesses we should be supporting.


As a child of immigrants, I bring a unique perspective to the immigration discussion. I firmly believe in policies that secure our borders, ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation. Simultaneously, it's crucial we incentivize hardworking immigrants through a point-based system. This approach recognizes the value they bring, contributing to the rich mosaic of our diverse nation and fueling our economic growth.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 30 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in California

Election information in California: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
  • By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 21, 2024
  • Online: Oct. 21, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

  • In-person: N/A
  • By mail: N/A by N/A
  • Online: N/A

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

  • In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
  • By mail: Postmarked by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Varies to Nov. 4, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (PST)

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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I'm dedicated to serving all citizens, challenging entrenched politics, and promoting diversity. I support term limits to invigorate public service with fresh ideas and counter political stagnation. I'm also committed to campaign finance reform, aiming to diminish money's influence in politics and uphold the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'. Together, we can build a government that truly represents us all. We need a political outsider like me to help usher in a new age of government accountability.

At the core of my campaign is an unwavering commitment to the middle class and small businesses - the true lifeblood of our economy. These hardworking individuals and organizations form the backbone of our communities, and their prosperity directly translates into the overall health of our nation. For too long, the middle class and small business owners have been burdened with excessive taxes and entangled in bureaucratic red tape. My mission is to cut through these barriers, paving the way for an economic environment that encourages growth and innovation. I will fight tirelessly against unfair taxation and overregulation that cripple the very individuals and businesses we should be supporting.

As a child of immigrants, I bring a unique perspective to the immigration discussion. I firmly believe in policies that secure our borders, ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation. Simultaneously, it's crucial we incentivize hardworking immigrants through a point-based system. This approach recognizes the value they bring, contributing to the rich mosaic of our diverse nation and fueling our economic growth.
For the past seven years, I have developed a reputation as being a legislator unafraid to tackle big and often controversial issues, while also being highly effective. I am proud of my work to increase the production of affordable housing, fight climate change, increase investments in transit, to protect civil rights and increase access to healthcare. I have demonstrated that I work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, even when it takes years, to pass meaningful legislation important to our state.



Of all the candidates in the race, I have the greatest amount of endorsements which are truly meaningful to the voters in this district. I have been endorsed by the LA Times, by far the most Democratic Clubs, IATSE, and trusted leaders including Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, California Treasurer Fiona Ma, LA City Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Hugo Soto Martinez and Katy Yaroslovsky, Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz, Burbank Councilmembers Nikki Perez and Konstantine Anthony, and Glendale Councilmember Paula Devine. My candidacy is supported by the League of Conservation Voters, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Emily’s List, and dozens more.

As a California State Assemblymember, as a Glendale City Councilmember and Mayor, I have led on groundbreaking local and state environmental policies. I have been a steadfast advocate for increasing our investments in, and commitment to, 100% clean renewable energy; decarbonizing our economy; reducing single-passenger vehicle trips and investing instead in better, more efficient, mass transit options. This is the reason that I’ve been endorsed by every major environmental group which has taken a position in the race.

As a physician, I care deeply and passionately about healthcare policy. The U.S. spends a substantial 17% of its GDP on healthcare, surpassing all other nations. Despite this generous expenditure, our life expectancy ranks disconcertingly at 28th among 37 OECD countries, indicating our care quality isn't aligning with the high expenditure.

My unique insights from years of practicing medicine have allowed me to recognize key areas for reform: the cost of medication is a significant concern. We must foster a shift where physicians are encouraged, and patients are educated, to opt for more cost-effective generic drugs, instead of assuming higher-priced equals better. Additionally, we need to standardize care using evidence-based guidelines. This approach could not only contain costs but also diminish health disparities by promoting equal treatment for all patients. Our system disproportionately rewards physicians for complex procedures rather than meaningful patient interactions. To enhance patient outcomes, we must prioritize a compensation structure that values comprehensive care and open dialogues about treatment plans.


Every day, I strive to provide high-value, efficient care to my patients. Scaling these practices can yield superior results for Americans while reining in costs. But first, we must confront the powers -- private insurers, Big Pharma, large hospital systems -- that uphold the status quo to reap obscene profits.
Addressing Housing Costs & Homelessness, Fighting Climate Change, Civil Rights protections including restoring a woman’s right to choose and protecting voting rights.
I look up to my favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt, and my residency program director from Dallas, Dr. David Hillis.

Teddy Roosevelt was a man of unwavering principles. He was by no means perfect, and his unapologetic manliness concealed an inner turmoil that ate away at him slowly. But his most famous adage -- Speak softly and carry a big stick -- is one of the best pieces of advice I know.

Medical school was a tumultuous time for me (I moved away and came out of the closet to everyone but my parents), and to say that I lost my focus academically would be an understatement. Dr Hillis hand-picked his class of 50 interns every year, and he spotted this second-string medical student and turned him into a first-rate physician.

A man of few words, he made sure that each spoken syllable carried immeasurable weight. The big stick that he carried was his personal brand of quiet confidence that came with his polished, unparalleled brilliance. If I could be even half as good as him on one of his worst days, I could die happy and fulfilled.
Canvassing for abortion rights and the ERA with my mother, who founded the first chapter of NOW in Broward County Florida taught me how to communicate with a wide variety of people of different backgrounds and perspectives. But it was my experience as a film producer which best prepared me for being an effective elected leader. In 20+ years of experience in the industry, my job was to identify projects to make into film and TV projects - to have a vision, to make others passionate about that vision and assemble a team, then to manage the project through from beginning to end. I find that my work as a legislator requires similar skills of engagement, collaboration, and persistence.
I don’t believe that we elect people so that they will disappear into Washington and work alone to fix things for us. I believe in elected officials being just one aspect of the more important process of movement-building. It is our role as electeds to shepard both legislation and activism. We write policy but should also work with advocates on developing public support and buy-in. We also need to be willing to adjust policy based on feedback to meet the needs of the community. We can’t do that if we aren’t listening and participating locally. So many of our challenges, such as homelessness, poverty and sustainability, can only be addressed through commitment of both government and the community. It is the responsibility of elected officials to work on policy on the government side in partnership and with cooperation with community members, advocates and activists.
I vividly remember watching the shuttle Challenger disaster on live television in Mrs. Jamison's second-grade class when I was 6 years old. Every student in the country was watching Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher launching into space. We all saw the unexpected plume of smoke, and Mrs Jamison soon turned the television off. I did not know what was going on at the time, and she did not discuss the details. We found out later that evening from our parents what had happened.
When I was 11 years old in 8th grade, I worked as a math tutor at my junior high school in the Glendale Unified School District at $4.25 an hour. I clocked 6 hours every week (one hour before classes each weekday morning, and one hour on Friday afternoon after school let out). I worked this job for two years before I had to give it up due to class scheduling conflicts. My math teacher, Mr. Hovsepian, who was instrumental in recruiting me for the job, was also one of my first campaign supporters over three decades later.
As the son of immigrants and someone who deeply loves this Republic, despite its flaws, I find the U.S. House of Representatives to be a truly unique institution. A few things stand out for me.

First, its diversity. The House is a beautiful tapestry woven with representatives from every nook and cranny of this nation, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. It brings together a diverse mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, much like the immigrant family I come from. That's something truly unique and special.

Second, its proximity to the people. The House, with its two-year terms, stays closely connected to the pulse of the American people. We're designed to be the voice of the people in our government, and that makes the House a dynamic, responsive body that's deeply rooted in our communities.

Third, the House's power of the purse. The fact that all revenue-related bills originate in the House gives us a crucial role in shaping the nation's financial policies. We get to decide where and how the government uses its resources. This responsibility to ensure fiscal prudence and safeguard taxpayers' money is something I take very seriously.

Finally, the collaborative nature of the House. Despite our differences, we must work together to get things done. It's a place where negotiation, compromise, and collaboration aren't just desired – they're necessary. It embodies the spirit of our Republic, of coming together to make things better, even with our individual and collective flaws.

So for me, the House of Representatives is an embodiment of the American dream - it's a place where anyone, no matter their background, can have a voice and make a difference. It’s the people’s house, and I'm proud to aspire to be a part of it.
While there can indeed be benefits to having previous experience in government or politics, such as understanding the intricacies of the legislative process and established relationships within the political system, I believe it's crucial to value and encourage diversity of experience in our representatives.

As a physician, my experiences in healthcare have given me a unique perspective on one of the most critical issues our nation faces. This hands-on, real-world experience allows me to understand the challenges in ways that career politicians might not. It equips me with the knowledge and skills to propose innovative, practical solutions based on firsthand experiences and observations. This diverse experience brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and out-of-the-box thinking to policy discussions.

Moreover, when our representatives come from a wide range of backgrounds, our government becomes more representative of the diversity of the American people and their experiences. It allows for more comprehensive decision-making that takes into account a multitude of perspectives.

Thus, while experience in government can be beneficial, it should not be the only criterion we consider when electing our representatives. The ultimate goal should be to elect individuals who are deeply committed to serving their constituents, who bring a wide array of experiences to the table, and who are capable of innovative, forward-thinking policy-making. As a physician stepping into the political arena, I aim to bring that diverse experience and fresh perspective to work for you.
I perceive one of the greatest challenges facing the United States over the next decade to be the deep-seated political division that currently pervades our society. This division has grown significantly over the past years, fueled by a political system that seems to thrive on, and even monetize, polarization.

Our bipartisan system has increasingly become an arena of partisan warfare, rather than a platform for collaborative policymaking. This polarization stymies our ability to pass substantial, meaningful policy, creating gridlock that hampers our nation's progress and development. As a result, we're falling behind on the global stage in key areas such as economic innovation, education, environmental protection, and healthcare.

It's alarming that political allegiance is taking precedence over the common good of the American people. This type of division doesn't just undermine the function of our government; it erodes the social fabric of our nation. It's essential for us to remember that we are countrymen and women first, not just members of a particular political party. We need to focus on finding common ground and working together to address the issues that matter most to our citizens.

One potential solution to this problem is inviting more political outsiders into the arena, individuals who aren't entrenched in the partisan politics that dominate our current system. These fresh voices can inject new perspectives and innovative ideas into the dialogue, transcending party lines and focusing on finding effective, practical solutions for our nation's challenges.

In conclusion, to meet the challenges of the next decade, we must prioritize bridging our political divide and fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. We must remember that we're all striving towards a shared goal - building a stronger, more unified America.
The growing gap between rich and poor and the disempowerment of individuals is a huge challenge, and a focus in my legislative work. Far too often the needs of workers and ordinary people are put secondary to the profits of big corporations. I’ve seen my constituents taken advantage of by landlords, hospital chains, their employers, online ticket sellers. The polluters keep polluting, with all of us paying the price. This has resulted in homelessness, misery, poverty and a sense of cynicism and disenfranchisement. Simply put, people don’t believe that the government or our political system is set up to work for them, and that is a danger to Democracy.
Yes, I believe that two years is the right term length for representatives. I believe that being an elected official in the House is not a career, it's service. It's an opportunity to serve the people and to make a difference in their lives. But it's not a job that should be held for life.

Two-year terms are long enough to allow representatives to get things done, but short enough to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the system. They also allow the people to have a say in who represents them more frequently.

But while two-year terms are great for accountability, one of my main priorities on this campaign is enacting term limits which are important because they help to ensure that there is a constant turnover of ideas and perspectives in the House. They also help to prevent corruption and to keep elected officials accountable to the people.
Term limits are a cornerstone of my campaign and a principle I deeply believe in. In my view, political offices should not be a lifelong career; instead, they ought to be a temporary call to public service. The primary intent of public service is to serve the people's interests, and term limits are a fundamental tool in preserving this essence of democracy.

Term limits can address several key issues in our current political landscape. Firstly, they help curb the risk of corruption and complacency that can occur when individuals remain in power for extended periods. New representatives bring fresh ideas and perspectives, fostering innovation and preventing the stagnation that can accompany political entrenchment.

Secondly, term limits encourage political accountability. Elected officials who are conscious of their limited tenure may feel a stronger obligation to fulfill their campaign promises and serve their constituents effectively.

Thirdly, term limits can enhance political diversity by creating more opportunities for new candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. This leads to a more inclusive democracy that better reflects the diverse tapestry of our society.

To sum up, I firmly believe that term limits, when implemented wisely and in concert with other political reforms, can revitalize our democracy, foster innovation, and enhance political accountability. It's time for a shift away from career politicians and back towards a true spirit of public service.
Absolutely, compromise is not only desirable but crucial for effective policymaking. Our nation's history is a testament to this; the founding of the United States was steeped in compromise. In fact, our very Constitution — the cornerstone of our Republic — is a product of some of the most pivotal compromises in political history.

In an ideologically diverse nation, it's unrealistic and unproductive to expect all policy decisions to align perfectly with every individual's viewpoints. This is where the art of compromise comes into play. It allows us to navigate our differences, find common ground, and create solutions that, while not perfect for everyone, are mutually beneficial and work towards the common good.

Compromise doesn't mean surrendering principles or values, but rather it means acknowledging and respecting differing perspectives, and being willing to make concessions for the broader benefit. It means focusing on the larger goal of serving our citizens, and finding the balance between various interests and needs.

As we face complex, multi-faceted challenges, it's imperative that we embrace the spirit of compromise more than ever. We must break free from the gridlock of partisan politics and work together to craft policies that advance our nation and improve the lives of all Americans. As your representative, my commitment is to this principle of compromise, to listen, to understand, and to work tirelessly to build bridges of consensus for the betterment of our community and our nation.

Yes.
The Origination Clause gives the House of Representatives the sole power to originate all bills for raising revenue. This means that the House has the first say on how our tax dollars are spent. I believe this is an important power because it ensures that the people's representatives have a say in how their tax dollars are used.

If I am elected to Congress, I will use this power to make sure that our tax system is fair and that our government is fiscally responsible. I will work to simplify the tax code, close tax loopholes, and balance the budget. I believe these are essential priorities for our nation."

I believe that a fair and efficient tax system is essential for a strong economy. A simple and easy-to-understand tax code will help taxpayers comply with the law and reduce the burden on businesses. Closing tax loopholes will ensure that everyone pays their fair share, and balancing the budget will help to ensure our long-term fiscal health.

I am committed to using the Origination Clause to make sure that our tax system is fair and that our government is fiscally responsible. I believe that these are essential priorities for our nation, and I will work tirelessly to achieve them.
As a candidate for Congress, I believe the U.S. House should use its investigative powers responsibly and judiciously. It's not about playing 'gotcha' politics, or trying to score political points. We're not detectives or prosecutors; our job is to serve the American people.

We should use these powers to ensure transparency and accountability from the executive branch and government agencies. This is about maintaining checks and balances in our system, ensuring that power isn't being abused or used improperly.

At the same time, we must ensure that we're not wasting taxpayers' money on endless investigations that go nowhere. We must be mindful of the cost and the time involved. We should focus our efforts on the issues that genuinely matter to our constituents – from the economy to healthcare, education, and national security.

So, for me, the answer lies in balance and pragmatism. Let's use our investigative powers, but let's use them wisely, responsibly, and in a manner that ultimately serves the best interests of the people we represent.
The Los Angeles Times; Congressional Progressive Caucus; Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Environmental Voters, California Legislative Jewish Caucus, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Climate Hawks Vote, Elect Democratic Women, Emily’s List, League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, National Women’s Political Caucus, National Organization for Women PAC (NOW PAC), Women’s March Action, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, Southern California Armenian Democrats, Valley Grassroots for Democracy, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), I.A.T.S.E. Local Unions of the Greater Los Angeles Region, Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
The bulk of my work has been in environmental sustainability and climate change, issues I plan to continue as a major focus. I also work on uplifting disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations. Transportation, equity and housing affordability are also major issue areas for me. To that end, I would request to serve on Natural Resources, Transportation and infrastructure, Energy & Commerce, Ways & Means, and Ethics.


Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Laura Friedman Democratic Party $1,835,665 $1,538,917 $296,748 As of December 31, 2024
Alex Balekian Republican Party $414,871 $319,644 $95,227 As of September 30, 2024

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. 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.

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.[4]
  • 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.[5][6][7]

Race ratings: California's 30th Congressional District election, 2024
Race trackerRace ratings
November 5, 2024October 29, 2024October 22, 2024October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The HillSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe Democratic
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 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in California, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
California U.S. House All candidates 40-60 $1,740.00[8] 12/8/2023 Source

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

  • District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
  • Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
  • State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.


Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

2023_01_03_ca_congressional_district_030.jpg
See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in California.

California U.S. House primary competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office Districts/
offices
Seats Open seats Candidates Possible primaries Contested top-two primaries % of contested primaries Incumbents in contested primaries % of incumbents in contested primaries
2024 52 52 7 241 52 42 80.8% 36 80.0%
2022 52 52 5 272 52 52 100.0% 47 100.0%
2020 53 53 4 262 53 47 88.7% 32 64.0%
2018 53 53 2 244 53 41 77.4% 39 76.5%
2016 53 53 4 202 53 40 75.5% 36 73.5%
2014 53 53 6 209 53 38 71.7% 32 68.1%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in California in 2024. Information below was calculated on 1/16/2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Two-hundred forty-one candidates filed to run for California's 52 U.S. House districts in 2024, including 125 Democrats, 88 Republicans, and 28 independent or minor party candidates. That’s 4.63 candidates per district. In 2022, the first election after the number of congressional districts in California decreased from 53 to 52 following the 2020 census, 5.2 candidates filed per district. In 2020, when the state still had 53 Congressional districts, 4.94 candidates filed per district. In 2018, 4.6 candidates filed.

The 241 candidates who ran in California in 2024 were the fewest total number of candidates since 2016, when 202 candidates ran. Forty-five incumbents—34 Democrats and 11 Republicans—ran for re-election. That was fewer than in 2022, when 47 incumbents ran. Six districts were open, one more than in 2022, and the most since 2014, when six districts were also open.

Incumbents Barbara Lee (D-12th), Adam Schiff (D-30th), and Katie Porter (D-47th) ran for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. Incumbent Sen. Laphonza Butler (D) didn't run for re-election. Incumbents Grace Napolitano (D-31st), Tony Cárdenas (D-29th), and Anna Eshoo (D-16th) retired from public office. One incumbent—Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-20th)—left Congress before the end of his term. A special election was held to fill his seat before the general election.

Fifteen candidates—12 Democrats, two Republicans, and one nonpartisan—ran in the open 30th district, the most candidates running for a seat in 2024.

Forty-two primaries were contested, the fewest since 2018, when 41 were contested. All 52 primaries were contested in 2022, and 47 were in 2020. In California, which uses a top-two primary system, a primary is contested if more than two candidates file to run.

Incumbents ran in 35 of the 42 contested primaries. That’s lower than 2022, when 47 incumbents ran in contested primaries, but higher than every other year since 2014. In 2020, 32 incumbents faced contested primaries. Thirty-nine incumbents did so in 2018, 36 in 2016, and 32 in 2014.

Democratic candidates ran in every district. Republican candidates ran in every district except one—the 37th. Two Democrats, including incumbent Sydney Kamlage-Dove, one nonpartisan candidate, and one Peace and Freedom Party member ran in that district.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+23. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 23 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made California's 30th the 49th most Democratic district nationally.[9]

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in California's 30th based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden Democratic Party Donald Trump Republican Party
72.2% 26.0%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district.[10] The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline Democratic Party Republican Baseline Republican Party Difference
75.9 23.6 D+52.3

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in California, 2020

California presidential election results (1900-2020)

  • 15 Democratic wins
  • 15 Republican wins
  • 1 other win
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020
Winning Party R R R P[11] D R R R D D D D D R R R D R R R R R R D D D D D D D D
See also: Party control of California state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of California's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from California
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 2 43 45
Republican 0 9 9
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 52 54

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in California's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in California, May 2024
Office Officeholder
Governor Democratic Party Gavin Newsom
Lieutenant Governor Democratic Party Eleni Kounalakis
Secretary of State Democratic Party Shirley Weber
Attorney General Democratic Party Rob Bonta

State legislature

California State Senate

Party As of February 2024
     Democratic Party 32
     Republican Party 8
     Other 0
     Vacancies 0
Total 40

California State Assembly

Party As of February 2024
     Democratic Party 62
     Republican Party 18
     Independent 1
     Other 0
     Vacancies 0
Total 80

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

California Party Control: 1992-2024
Nineteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Governor R R R R R R R D D D D D R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
Assembly D D D S R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: California's 30th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 30

Incumbent Adam Schiff defeated Maebe A. Girl in the general election for U.S. House California District 30 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Adam Schiff
Adam Schiff (D)
 
71.1
 
150,100
Image of Maebe A. Girl
Maebe A. Girl (D)
 
28.9
 
60,968

Total votes: 211,068
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 30

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 30 on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Adam Schiff
Adam Schiff (D)
 
62.4
 
102,290
Image of Maebe A. Girl
Maebe A. Girl (D)
 
12.9
 
21,053
Image of Ronda Kennedy
Ronda Kennedy (R)
 
8.5
 
13,953
Image of Patrick Gipson
Patrick Gipson (R)
 
6.4
 
10,529
Image of Johnny Nalbandian
Johnny Nalbandian (R)
 
4.7
 
7,693
Image of Paloma Zuniga
Paloma Zuniga (R)
 
1.6
 
2,614
Image of Sal Genovese
Sal Genovese (D)
 
1.6
 
2,612
Image of William Meurer
William Meurer (G)
 
1.0
 
1,598
Image of Tony Rodriguez
Tony Rodriguez (American Independent Party of California) Candidate Connection
 
0.9
 
1,460

Total votes: 163,802
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 30th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 30

Incumbent Brad Sherman defeated Mark Reed in the general election for U.S. House California District 30 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brad Sherman
Brad Sherman (D)
 
69.5
 
240,038
Image of Mark Reed
Mark Reed (R)
 
30.5
 
105,426

Total votes: 345,464
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 30

Incumbent Brad Sherman and Mark Reed defeated Courtney Berina, Raji Rab, and Brian Carroll in the primary for U.S. House California District 30 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brad Sherman
Brad Sherman (D)
 
58.1
 
99,282
Image of Mark Reed
Mark Reed (R)
 
22.7
 
38,778
Image of Courtney Berina
Courtney Berina (D) Candidate Connection
 
11.1
 
18,937
Image of Raji Rab
Raji Rab (D) Candidate Connection
 
4.7
 
7,961
Brian Carroll (D)
 
3.5
 
5,984

Total votes: 170,942
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

2018

See also: California's 30th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 30

Incumbent Brad Sherman defeated Mark Reed in the general election for U.S. House California District 30 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brad Sherman
Brad Sherman (D)
 
73.4
 
191,573
Image of Mark Reed
Mark Reed (R)
 
26.6
 
69,420

Total votes: 260,993
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 30

Incumbent Brad Sherman and Mark Reed defeated Raji Rab and Jon Pelzer in the primary for U.S. House California District 30 on June 5, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Brad Sherman
Brad Sherman (D)
 
62.3
 
80,038
Image of Mark Reed
Mark Reed (R)
 
27.3
 
35,046
Image of Raji Rab
Raji Rab (D)
 
5.3
 
6,753
Image of Jon Pelzer
Jon Pelzer (D)
 
5.2
 
6,642

Total votes: 128,479
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



See also

California 2024 primaries 2024 U.S. Congress elections
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Footnotes

  1. A majority in the U.S. House when there are no vacancies is 218 seats.
  2. These figures include the seat of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who resigned on Nov. 13, 2024, after winning re-election.
  3. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2020 presidential results by congressional district, for new and old districts," accessed September 15, 2022
  4. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  5. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  6. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  7. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  8. 2,000 signatures can be provided in lieu of the filing fee
  9. Cook Political Report, "The 2022 Cook Partisan Voting Index (Cook PVI℠)," accessed January 10, 2024
  10. Inside Elections, "Methodology: Inside Elections’ Baseline by Congressional District," December 8, 2023
  11. Progressive Party


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