California 26th – MISRYOUM rounds up the candidates in California’s 26th Congressional District and what their backgrounds signal.
A competitive field is lining up for California’s 26th Congressional District as candidates position themselves for the next chapter after Julia Brownley’s tenure.
The race. centered in Ventura County and surrounding communities. features multiple Republicans and Democrats vying to represent the district in Washington.. For voters. the contest offers a choice not only on party lines. but also on the kind of experience each candidate brings to issues ranging from public safety and federal oversight to climate policy and health care.
On the Republican side. Samuel Gallucci is running as a pastor and nonprofit leader. with his background rooted in community services. including shelter and transitional housing.. He also previously worked in business leadership and has emphasized work tied to at-risk women and children as well as resources for migrant agricultural workers.
Meanwhile. Michael Koslow is also seeking the Republican nomination. presenting a profile built around federal and military service as well as small-business ownership.. His campaign background highlights time in the California Air National Guard. work associated with defense-related investigations. and later entrepreneurship through a private investigation firm.
In this context, the candidates’ professional histories matter because they shape how voters may interpret priorities such as public safety, government accountability, and the role of community organizations in everyday life.
Democratic candidates include Jacqui Irwin. a sitting state Assembly member and former mayor of Thousand Oaks. who is currently the only candidate in the 26th District holding elected office.. Her legislative and committee work covers areas such as veterans affairs. taxation. climate. and technology-related topics. and her record in local government stretches back to her service on the city council.
Also on the Democratic ballot is Chris Espinosa. an advocate whose prior work includes policy and organizing roles related to climate and energy. along with experience connected to federal natural resources oversight.. Sonia Devgan-Kacker. another Democrat in the race. is a physician and small-business owner. operating an urgent care practice and teaching at universities. according to her professional profile.
At the far edges of the field. additional candidates include William Scott and Crystal Golden on the Republican side. as well as Kyle Langford. Liam Andres Hernandez. and others among the Democrats.. With multiple newcomers and established public figures in the mix. the primary fight is shaping up to be as much about differentiation as it is about party alignment.
As the campaign period unfolds, the outcome will likely hinge on which message voters find most credible and grounded in local needs, especially in a district where public services, environmental concerns, and health access often intersect in day-to-day decisions.
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