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Who Is Running in California Congressional District 36th in 2026?

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Ted Lieu

(Incumbent)
D·Democrat

Economy

High

Ted Lieu voted for the Main Street Parity Act and the AI for Main Street Act in 2026, while opposing the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act. He expresses concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, such as creating viruses or chemical weapons, and the impact of deepfakes on elections. As co-chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, he aims to develop policy. Lieu aligns with House Democrats in prioritizing efforts to lower costs and improve the lives of American families.

Immigration

High

Congressman Ted Lieu opposes the Secure the Border Act, a measure designed to enhance border security and immigration enforcement. He also opposes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, and the Equal Representation Act, aimed at prohibiting non-citizens from being counted for congressional apportionment. Additionally, Representative Lieu has called for ICE and CBP interior operations to cease and co-introduced legislation to ensure detained individuals have access to constituent casework services.

Healthcare

High

Ted Lieu criticized Republicans for failing to address rising healthcare costs and for cutting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare. He stated that people are suffering due to these cuts and rising costs. Lieu urged for the extension of ACA tax credits to ensure millions of Americans do not lose health insurance or face increased premiums. He opposed a government funding bill that ignored these healthcare concerns.

Republican Candidate

R · Republican

No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.

IssueTed Lieu
Economy

Ted Lieu voted for the Main Street Parity Act and the AI for Main Street Act in 2026, while opposing the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act. He expresses concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, such as creating viruses or chemical weapons, and the impact of deepfakes on elections. As co-chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, he aims to develop policy. Lieu aligns with House Democrats in prioritizing efforts to lower costs and improve the lives of American families.

High
Immigration

Congressman Ted Lieu opposes the Secure the Border Act, a measure designed to enhance border security and immigration enforcement. He also opposes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, and the Equal Representation Act, aimed at prohibiting non-citizens from being counted for congressional apportionment. Additionally, Representative Lieu has called for ICE and CBP interior operations to cease and co-introduced legislation to ensure detained individuals have access to constituent casework services.

High
Healthcare

Ted Lieu criticized Republicans for failing to address rising healthcare costs and for cutting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare. He stated that people are suffering due to these cuts and rising costs. Lieu urged for the extension of ACA tax credits to ensure millions of Americans do not lose health insurance or face increased premiums. He opposed a government funding bill that ignored these healthcare concerns.

High
Climate & Energy

Congressman Ted Lieu strongly supports climate action, having coauthored California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) and introduced the Climate Solutions Act in Congress. He voted against H.R.4758 and H.R.4626, bills related to homeowner energy and home appliances. Lieu views climate change as a massive problem and advocates for America to lead in green energy investment and carbon pollution reduction. He also supported an amendment to reduce the defense budget, linking it to climate efforts.

High
Abortion & Reproductive Rights

Representative Ted Lieu supports abortion rights and access to reproductive health care, believing individuals should make their own medical decisions free from government interference. He is a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and voted "Yes" on House Roll Call Vote 360, which aimed at restoring abortion access. He also opposed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962). He is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All for the 2026 election.

High
Foreign Policy

Research pending more substantial sources.

Low
Education

Research pending more substantial sources.

High
Gun Policy

Congressman Ted Lieu supported H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which proposed universal background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions, with specific exceptions. This indicates his position in favor of regulations aimed at controlling firearm acquisition.

High

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