Who Is Running in California Congressional District 39th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Mark Takano
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRepresentative Mark Takano supports the 32-Hour Workweek Act, which he introduced, with the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. His reasoning emphasizes prioritizing productivity, fair pay, and an improved quality of life for workers, stating that the previous "normal" was not working due to long hours, stagnant pay, and declining well-being. He also criticized ignoring the cost of living crisis.
Immigration
HighMark Takano advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, supporting expeditious legal pathways to citizenship for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, alongside increased border resources. He co-sponsored H.R.6565 to promote family unity and H.R.6521 to restrict DHS arrests in immigration courts. He also introduced and passed the Veteran Service Recognition Act to aid noncitizen servicemembers with naturalization. Additionally, he has called for reforms at ICE and accountability for DHS.
Healthcare
HighRepresentative Mark Takano voted against the FY26 NDAA, citing its failure to adequately address healthcare needs for servicemembers and veterans, including reproductive healthcare access. He supported the VETERAN Act (H.R. 2372) to ensure 7 million veterans receive access to healthcare tax credits. Takano stated his focus is on advancing legislation to cancel cuts, lower costs, and save healthcare for Americans.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Mark Takano |
|---|---|
| Economy | Representative Mark Takano supports the 32-Hour Workweek Act, which he introduced, with the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. His reasoning emphasizes prioritizing productivity, fair pay, and an improved quality of life for workers, stating that the previous "normal" was not working due to long hours, stagnant pay, and declining well-being. He also criticized ignoring the cost of living crisis. High |
| Immigration | Mark Takano advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, supporting expeditious legal pathways to citizenship for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, alongside increased border resources. He co-sponsored H.R.6565 to promote family unity and H.R.6521 to restrict DHS arrests in immigration courts. He also introduced and passed the Veteran Service Recognition Act to aid noncitizen servicemembers with naturalization. Additionally, he has called for reforms at ICE and accountability for DHS. High |
| Healthcare | Representative Mark Takano voted against the FY26 NDAA, citing its failure to adequately address healthcare needs for servicemembers and veterans, including reproductive healthcare access. He supported the VETERAN Act (H.R. 2372) to ensure 7 million veterans receive access to healthcare tax credits. Takano stated his focus is on advancing legislation to cancel cuts, lower costs, and save healthcare for Americans. High |
| Climate & Energy | Mark Takano supports comprehensive proposals like the Green New Deal to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. He supports green energy alternatives, including provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and introduced the Battery Storage Innovation Act. Takano holds a 100% 2024 score and a 99% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, reflecting his strong alignment with environmental advocacy. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Representative Mark Takano voted against the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, citing its failure to adequately address reproductive healthcare access for female servicemembers and veterans. He co-led a joint resolution to block the Department of Veterans Affairs' abortion rule, stating it strips veterans' freedoms and damages trust. Mr. Takano is also a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, committed to advancing reproductive rights and freedom. High |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Mark Takano voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), explaining that while it contained some positive bipartisan investments, he found several other provisions problematic, such as the exclusion of access to IVF and protections for Department of Defense civilian employees. He also opposed military action against Iran, stressing the importance of fully funding and strengthening the VA system to care for servicemembers and veterans before committing to new conflicts. High |
| Education | Mark Takano advocates for robust investment in education, viewing it as essential for future economic prosperity and classroom performance, drawing on his two decades as a teacher. He supports strengthening early childhood education, increasing access to affordable higher education by supporting Pell Grants and low student loan interest rates, and protecting students from predatory for-profit colleges. He also advocates for replacing "No Child Left Behind" with an emphasis on STEAM education. He is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and National Education Association. High |
| Gun Policy | Representative Mark Takano supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded background check requirements and protected victims of domestic violence. He introduced the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act to fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand gun violence. He advocates for federal action, including a federal assault weapon ban, to address gun violence. High |
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