The race for California’s 26th Congressional District, covering much of Ventura County, is heating up with nine candidates emphasizing affordability and housing costs. This district, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley, includes key areas such as Camarillo, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks.
Democratic Endorsement and Priorities
State Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, endorsed by Brownley, is a leading candidate with a strong fundraising record. Irwin, a longtime Thousand Oaks resident, highlights the rising cost of living and housing affordability as major challenges. She advocates for reducing barriers to housing construction and increasing federal funding for affordable housing projects. Her priorities also include health care, wildfire resiliency, and job creation.
Republican Candidates Focus on Economic Issues
Among the Republican contenders, Samuel Gallucci, a pastor and former technology executive, leads in fundraising. Gallucci aims to bridge political divides, focusing on homelessness, education, and immigration reform. He emphasizes conservative fiscal policies and outreach to migrants and the unhoused.
Michael Koslow, a U.S. Air Force veteran, stresses the interconnectedness of housing shortages, high costs, and homelessness. He calls for expanded housing construction and policies to reduce development costs. Immigration reform and public safety are also central to his campaign.
William Scott, another Republican candidate, focuses on improving education, expanding access to high-paying jobs, and reducing living costs. He advocates for constitutional principles and local control, criticizing California laws that limit parental involvement in children’s decisions.
Democratic Candidates on Housing and Health Care
Democrat Chris Espinosa, with a background in policy and leadership, addresses the affordability crisis affecting housing, groceries, and child care. He supports expanded federal housing assistance and a universal health care system through Medicare for All.
Sonia Kacker, a physician, highlights the impact of high health care costs on economic pressures. Her medical background informs her approach to public policy, focusing on rising housing costs and insurance premiums.
Liam Andres O’Neill Hernandez, a young Democrat, aims to bring a working-class perspective to Congress. He advocates for federal investment in affordable housing and stronger tenant protections, motivated by immigration enforcement actions.
Other Candidates
Additional candidates Sasan Samadzadeh and Daniel Miller have outlined their priorities on their campaign platforms, focusing on issues like artificial intelligence workforce development and property rights.
Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.
