Who Is Running in California Congressional District 4th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Mike Thompson
(Incumbent)Economy
HighMike Thompson supports a jobs plan focused on investments in infrastructure, energy, and education to foster long-term economic growth. He helped pass the largest infrastructure investment in 50 years and authored significant clean energy and energy efficiency legislation. He also co-authored legislation to freeze student loan interest rates, aiming to save families approximately $1,000 annually. Thompson has criticized tariffs for driving up living costs for Americans and voted to end "emergency" tariffs on Canada.
Immigration
HighMike Thompson advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship and guest worker programs for agricultural workers. He introduced legislation to expand citizenship opportunities for immigrant veterans and their families. Thompson also joined efforts to introduce articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing concerns that unchecked federal enforcement by DHS and ICE puts lives at risk. He believes immigration strengthens the nation, but the current system needs fair and practical policies.
Healthcare
HighMike Thompson supports extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, warning that their expiration would significantly increase premiums for 24 million Americans. He voted against a government funding bill, criticizing its failure to address rising healthcare costs and undo Medicaid cuts. Thompson introduced the American Affordability Act to lower costs, believing healthcare is a right that should be accessible and affordable for all. He also criticized H.R. 1 for its $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and making medical education less affordable.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Mike Thompson |
|---|---|
| Economy | Mike Thompson supports a jobs plan focused on investments in infrastructure, energy, and education to foster long-term economic growth. He helped pass the largest infrastructure investment in 50 years and authored significant clean energy and energy efficiency legislation. He also co-authored legislation to freeze student loan interest rates, aiming to save families approximately $1,000 annually. Thompson has criticized tariffs for driving up living costs for Americans and voted to end "emergency" tariffs on Canada. High |
| Immigration | Mike Thompson advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship and guest worker programs for agricultural workers. He introduced legislation to expand citizenship opportunities for immigrant veterans and their families. Thompson also joined efforts to introduce articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing concerns that unchecked federal enforcement by DHS and ICE puts lives at risk. He believes immigration strengthens the nation, but the current system needs fair and practical policies. High |
| Healthcare | Mike Thompson supports extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, warning that their expiration would significantly increase premiums for 24 million Americans. He voted against a government funding bill, criticizing its failure to address rising healthcare costs and undo Medicaid cuts. Thompson introduced the American Affordability Act to lower costs, believing healthcare is a right that should be accessible and affordable for all. He also criticized H.R. 1 for its $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and making medical education less affordable. High |
| Climate & Energy | Mike Thompson introduced legislation with colleagues to designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail, enhancing recreation and connecting routes. He criticized the EPA's decision to exclude human life from cost-benefit analyses in rulemaking, stating it compromises environmental protection and undervalues human life. Thompson also works to restore wetland habitats, protect the National Wildlife Refuge System, and was endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Representative Mike Thompson voted to pass the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 8296) and the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act (H.R. 8297). He believes access to comprehensive health care, including abortion, should not depend on one's location. Thompson supports these measures to protect the health, well-being, and autonomy of women, ensuring individuals can make their own decisions about their lives and futures. High |
| Foreign Policy | Mike Thompson has voiced opposition to unauthorized military actions, particularly those without Congressional approval, citing constitutional requirements. He voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which he states helps limit unilateral presidential military decisions. He also voted to repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force against Iraq and supported HR 3565 to prevent funding offensive weapons for Israel. High |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Medium |
| Gun Policy | Mike Thompson chairs the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He advocates for universal background checks, leading legislation to close the Charleston loophole and establish universal background checks for firearm purchases. He also led 130 Democrats in a letter urging action to address gun violence and expressed concerns about the elevation of Kash Patel to Acting Director of the ATF. Thompson is endorsed by Giffords, an organization supporting strong gun safety laws. High |
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