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Mark Leonard
Mark Leonard (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 45th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Leonard completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mark Leonard was born in Landstuhl, Germany. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013 and later attended Temple University. His professional background includes work as a financial analyst.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: California's 45th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House California District 45
Incumbent Derek Tran, Brian Forde, Mark Leonard, Chi Charlie Nguyen, and Michelle Steel are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 45 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Derek Tran (D) | |
 | Brian Forde (D) | |
 | Mark Leonard (R)  | |
 | Chi Charlie Nguyen (R) | |
 | Michelle Steel (R) | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mark Leonard completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Leonard's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Leonard began his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed to Afghanistan in a logistical support role, ensuring mission-critical supplies reached the front lines. After completing his military service, he studied in Economics and Business, at Temple University, equipping himself with the financial and analytical skills necessary to tackle complex economic and policy challenges.
Following his education, Leonard continued his commitment to public service by joining the California National Guard’s 250th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Battalion, where he was activated in COVID-19 response efforts, supporting communities during one of the nation's most challenging crises.
Leonard’s professional career spans finance and accounting, with experience in both the private sector and the defense industry. He worked in finance for a skilled nursing and rehabilitation corporation, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing healthcare and senior care. Later, he joined Northrop Grumman, a Fortune 100 defense contractor, applying his expertise in financial analysis and cost management to ensure efficiency and accountability in government contracting.- 1. Easing Financial Strain & Restoring Economic Stability Americans are working harder but falling further behind. Rising costs of housing, healthcare, and everyday necessities are squeezing working families and small businesses. We need common-sense economic policies that prioritize lowering inflation, reducing the tax burden on the middle class, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in Washington. By cutting wasteful government spending, incentivizing job creation, and supporting domestic industries, we can restore economic stability and put money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans.
- 2. Protecting the Constitution & Reining in Government Overreach Our Constitution is the foundation of our democracy, and it must be protected from executive and judicial overreach. Too often, unelected officials and activist judges make sweeping decisions that impact every American without accountability. It’s time to restore balance and ensure that power remains where it belongs—with the people and their elected representatives. I will fight to uphold constitutional rights, strengthen checks and balances, and prevent government agencies from overstepping their authority.
- 3. Securing the Border & Reforming Immigration for the 21st Century America thrives when we have a secure border and a legal immigration system that works. The current system is broken—it fails to protect Americans, leaves border communities overwhelmed, and undermines those who follow the legal process. We must take a balanced approach: strengthen border security, invest in modern enforcement technology, and streamline legal immigration pathways so that those who aspire to the American Dream can contribute to our country the right way. A fair, secure, and enforceable immigration policy is key to both national security and economic growth.
Government should exist to serve the American people—not burden them. Too often, we see policies that waste taxpayer dollars, expand bureaucracy without delivering results, and fail to address the real challenges facing everyday Americans. I am committed to creating real value for taxpayers by ensuring that government works efficiently, effectively, and in ways that improve lives—not make them harder.
On the Economy, Democracy and Immigration
Accountability means serving all constituents—not just those who voted for you, donated to your campaign, or hold the same views. An elected official has a duty to represent and listen to everyone in their district, whether they agree or disagree. Public service is not about loyalty to a party, donors, or special interests—it’s about delivering real results for the people who entrust you with the job.
Integrity means standing up for what is right, even when it comes at personal or political cost. Leadership requires the courage to make difficult decisions based on principles, not political convenience. It’s easy to go along with the crowd, but real leadership means having the backbone to say no to corruption, waste, and policies that harm the people you serve.
This drive to stand for what’s right has been the guiding force in both my personal and professional life. It means speaking up for those whose voices are often unheard, tackling difficult issues head-on, and advocating for solutions that benefit the greater good. I am not afraid to challenge the status quo when it’s not working and will always prioritize the values of fairness, integrity, and accountability in every decision I make.
Another key strength is my commitment to honesty and transparency. I believe that as a public servant, it’s essential to be straightforward and open with the people you represent. This builds trust and ensures that the focus remains on creating real change, not political posturing.
Representing All Constituents, Not Just Supporters – An elected official must listen to and advocate for all members of their district, not just those who voted for them. That means engaging with diverse perspectives, addressing community concerns, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Crafting and Supporting Effective Policies – Government should focus on real solutions that strengthen the economy, improve public safety, and reduce financial burdens on working families. Policy decisions should be based on results, not political gamesmanship.
Ensuring Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility – Taxpayers deserve efficient, effective use of their hard-earned money. Government should be transparent, accountable, and focused on results. That means eliminating waste, stopping unnecessary bureaucracy, and demanding that every dollar spent delivers real value to the American people.
Providing Oversight & Accountability – Congress has a duty to rein in executive and judicial overreach, prevent government corruption, and keep federal agencies accountable to the people—not special interests.
Upholding the Constitution and Protecting Citizens’ Rights – Every elected official takes an oath to defend the Constitution. That means standing up for individual freedoms, due process, and the rule of law, regardless of political pressure.
On a personal level, when I fail to live up to my own expectations or ideals, it can be a deeply frustrating experience. But it goes beyond that—it’s also about the realization that as a society, we sometimes fail to create the kind of world we envision for future generations. There are systems that perpetuate inequality, inefficiency, and division, and it can be disheartening to witness how often we miss the opportunity to improve the lives of those who need it most.
What makes this struggle particularly challenging is the disconnect between our ideals and the reality we live in—whether it’s personal goals that seem just out of reach or societal promises that remain unfulfilled. Yet, through these frustrations, I’ve come to understand that growth and change are ongoing processes. Even when we don’t immediately see the impact of our efforts, the journey of striving toward improvement—both individually and collectively—holds value.
Another unique feature of the House is its size and diversity. With 435 members, the House brings together a wide range of voices, perspectives, and regional interests. This allows for a more inclusive debate on national issues and ensures that different communities are represented. The sheer number of members creates a dynamic environment where ideas are constantly being challenged, refined, and negotiated.
Additionally, the House’s role in initiating financial legislation—such as tax bills and government spending—gives it a special responsibility in shaping the nation’s economic policies. This power directly ties the House to the daily lives of Americans, influencing everything from their tax rates to the quality of services they receive.
For too long, we have seen insiders from both parties who, despite their experience, have chosen to focus on what divides us rather than finding common ground. They have used divisiveness as a perennial campaigning point, avoiding the hard work of passing meaningful legislation that actually improves people’s lives. This approach has created a polarized environment where the business of governance takes a backseat to partisan conflict.
The truth is, effective leadership is about dedication, problem-solving, and a willingness to rise to the challenge, not simply about having a political resume. Fresh perspectives and a focus on the needs of everyday Americans can often lead to more innovative and productive solutions. Whether new to politics or a seasoned veteran, what matters most is the commitment to working across the aisle, listening to the people, and putting solutions before political strategy.
First, our economy is leaving too many people behind. Rising costs, stagnant wages, and an increasingly unequal distribution of wealth are creating a gap between those who thrive and those who struggle. We need policies that promote job growth, address inflation, and invest in skills training to ensure that every American has the opportunity to succeed. The economy must work for everyone, not just the few at the top.
Second, our growing national deficit is unsustainable and will eventually create a debilitating strain on the government’s ability to function. As debt continues to balloon, more taxpayer dollars will go toward servicing this debt, leaving less available for investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and national security—areas that are essential for our future prosperity. If we don't take action now to rein in wasteful spending and implement fiscal responsibility, our nation could face serious economic instability.
The frequent campaigning can be demanding, but if representatives are doing their job well—staying accessible, staying engaged, and delivering results—the burden of campaigning as an incumbent should not be overwhelming. In fact, a job well done should lead to greater trust and confidence from the community, making re-election less about political gamesmanship and more about continued service. When a representative builds a reputation for integrity, transparency, and effectiveness, the campaign becomes a natural extension of their relationship with the people, not a daunting task.
Stricter term limits can help reinvigorate Congress with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a sense of urgency to get things done. They prevent politicians from becoming entrenched in their positions and growing out of touch with the needs of their constituents. It’s about putting the passion for public service ahead of job security and ensuring that those in office are always motivated by their desire to serve, not by the perks and power of the position.
Instead of making politics a career, term limits encourage public servants to focus on the job at hand, working hard to deliver results for their community in a set time frame. This ensures that leaders stay in touch with the people they represent, remain accountable, and avoid the cycle of political self-preservation that hinders progress.
Sanders has always been a strong advocate for the issues that matter to everyday Americans, and despite political differences, he has shown a willingness to seek common ground to pass meaningful legislation. His ability to stand firm on his principles while still working toward practical solutions is something I admire. That balance between steadfastness and collaboration is something I believe is essential for any effective representative.
Too often, we see policymaking driven by executive actions that can be overturned with the next administration, creating a constant cycle of instability and inconsistency. True progress comes when laws are created through collaboration and compromise, leading to policies that are supported by a wide majority and can endure beyond the current political climate.
Compromise allows us to build bipartisan support, create more stable, long-term solutions, and avoid the pitfalls of reactionary politics. It’s about finding common ground where both sides can win, ensuring that the resulting legislation serves the broader public interest and can adapt to future challenges without being undone at the whim of the next election cycle.
If elected, I would prioritize ensuring that any revenue-raising measures are fair, efficient, and responsible, reflecting the needs of working families and the long-term health of our economy. This means focusing on eliminating wasteful spending, ensuring that taxes are not a burden on those struggling to make ends meet, and making certain that revenue bills are crafted in a way that promotes economic growth and sustainability.
I would also use this power to address the ballooning deficit, pushing for a tax policy that encourages businesses to grow, invest in innovation, and create jobs while ensuring the wealthiest Americans and corporations pay their fair share. We cannot continue to rely on deficit spending; my goal would be to bring fiscal discipline to Washington and ensure that the revenue we raise is used to support critical public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
First and foremost, investigations should focus on exposing government waste, corruption, and abuse of power. When taxpayer dollars are being misused or when government agencies fail to serve their intended purpose, the House must step in to investigate and take corrective action. This includes investigating issues like mismanagement in federal agencies, misuse of public funds, or unethical conduct by government officials.
The House should also use its investigative powers to look into issues that affect the daily lives of Americans, such as public health, economic fairness, and corporate accountability. For example, when problems arise in critical areas like the healthcare system, financial markets, or environmental protections, Congress must be able to investigate the causes and identify solutions that put people first.
Additionally, investigations should serve as a check on the executive and judicial branches to ensure that no branch exceeds its constitutional authority. This is a vital function in maintaining the balance of power and preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful or operating outside the law.
In particular, I am drawn to committees that focus on economic policy, government efficiency, and healthcare. I believe that addressing issues such as income inequality, job creation, and healthcare reform is essential for creating an economy that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. Additionally, committees related to national security and veteran affairs also resonate with me due to my background and commitment to supporting those who have served our country.
Financial transparency starts with clear, honest accounting of where taxpayer money goes. Federal agencies and elected officials must be held to the same financial discipline expected in the private sector—no blank checks, no reckless spending, and no hidden budgets. I support stronger oversight measures to prevent fraud, misuse, and waste in government spending.
Accountability means elected officials and government agencies must answer to the people they serve. Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors, with special interests driving policy instead of the public good. I will fight for greater transparency in government contracts, spending reports, and decision-making processes so that Americans know exactly how their money is being used.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 10, 2025
