Who Is Running in California Congressional District 45th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Derek Tran
(Incumbent)Economy
MediumDerek Tran has focused on stabilizing family finances, backing legislation such as the WIC Benefits Protection Act, the Keep Kids Covered Act, and the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, he has also worked to restore over $3.3 million in federal funds to local small businesses, drawing on his background as a consumer rights attorney and small business owner.
Immigration
HighDerek Tran voted against the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, expressing disappointment that it lacked necessary oversight reforms for ICE and failed to ensure community safety. He supports immigration enforcement focused on apprehending violent criminals, but not actions that he believes terrorize law-abiding families. Conversely, he has faced criticism for previous votes supporting a resolution of gratitude to ICE and the Laken Riley Act, which expands ICE's powers, citing public safety concerns.
Healthcare
HighDerek Tran voted against H.R. 5371 to prevent the expiration of Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, aiming to lower healthcare costs and ensure access. He co-sponsored H.R. 4849 to codify tax credits and introduced the bipartisan PBM Reform Act (H.R. 4317) to increase transparency and reduce prescription drug costs. Additionally, he co-leads H.R. 4641 to ensure continuous Medicaid coverage for children. His actions reflect a commitment to ensuring every community member receives necessary medical care.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Derek Tran |
|---|---|
| Economy | Derek Tran has focused on stabilizing family finances, backing legislation such as the WIC Benefits Protection Act, the Keep Kids Covered Act, and the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, he has also worked to restore over $3.3 million in federal funds to local small businesses, drawing on his background as a consumer rights attorney and small business owner. Medium |
| Immigration | Derek Tran voted against the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, expressing disappointment that it lacked necessary oversight reforms for ICE and failed to ensure community safety. He supports immigration enforcement focused on apprehending violent criminals, but not actions that he believes terrorize law-abiding families. Conversely, he has faced criticism for previous votes supporting a resolution of gratitude to ICE and the Laken Riley Act, which expands ICE's powers, citing public safety concerns. High |
| Healthcare | Derek Tran voted against H.R. 5371 to prevent the expiration of Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, aiming to lower healthcare costs and ensure access. He co-sponsored H.R. 4849 to codify tax credits and introduced the bipartisan PBM Reform Act (H.R. 4317) to increase transparency and reduce prescription drug costs. Additionally, he co-leads H.R. 4641 to ensure continuous Medicaid coverage for children. His actions reflect a commitment to ensuring every community member receives necessary medical care. High |
| Climate & Energy | Derek Tran is dedicated to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change effects, advocating for stronger environmental regulations and clean air and water. He supports promoting sustainable energy production that creates jobs and aims to hold oil and gas companies accountable. Tran also seeks federal funding for Southern California to improve transportation infrastructure and create clean energy jobs. He has been endorsed by the Sierra Club Independent Action and the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Derek Tran supports reproductive rights, emphasizing abortion as a key issue in his campaign. He was endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All for the 2026 election cycle. Tran is committed to addressing threats to reproductive freedom for working-class families in his district. High |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Derek Tran supports the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, viewing it as essential for military readiness and improving service members' quality of life. The Act includes a 3.8% troop pay raise and enhanced family support. As a House Armed Services Committee member and veteran, he advocates for military interests. Tran also criticized President Trump's unilateral strikes on Iran, citing concerns about executive power overreach and the need for Congressional authorization. Medium |
| Education | Derek Tran believes education is essential for opportunity and a bright future, especially as a parent of three public school children and a youth mentor. He works to ensure quality education for all by advocating for higher teacher wages, investing in community public schools, backing early childhood education programs, and expanding vocational training opportunities. Low |
| Gun Policy | Derek Tran advocates for policies aimed at enhancing community safety by addressing gun violence. He supports universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, increasing police presence to combat crime, and investing in violence prevention and rehabilitation initiatives. His stated goal is to protect families and communities, driven by concerns as a parent of young children. High |
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