Who Is Running in California Congressional District 52nd in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Juan Vargas
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRepresentative Juan Vargas voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, stating that it included provisions that would weaken collective bargaining rights. He also voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. The AFL-CIO has given him a 100% score for 2024 and a 99% lifetime score for votes aligning with working people's interests.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Juan Vargas voted against the FY2026 NDAA due to concerns about anti-immigrant provisions and opposed appropriations funding for ICE, advocating for its replacement with a different enforcement agency. He supports the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and leads efforts to fund the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for humanitarian protection. Vargas also co-introduced a bill to ensure experienced immigration judges hear deportation cases, supporting due process rights.
Healthcare
HighJuan Vargas voted against the Republican spending bill, H.R. 6703, in 2025, to prevent millions from losing health insurance coverage and facing increased premiums as ACA tax credits expire. He criticized the bill for not addressing the healthcare crisis and also reportedly opposed a Republican budget proposal to cut Medicaid. Vargas advocates for healthcare protections and renewing ACA tax credits.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Juan Vargas |
|---|---|
| Economy | Representative Juan Vargas voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, stating that it included provisions that would weaken collective bargaining rights. He also voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. The AFL-CIO has given him a 100% score for 2024 and a 99% lifetime score for votes aligning with working people's interests. High |
| Immigration | Representative Juan Vargas voted against the FY2026 NDAA due to concerns about anti-immigrant provisions and opposed appropriations funding for ICE, advocating for its replacement with a different enforcement agency. He supports the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and leads efforts to fund the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for humanitarian protection. Vargas also co-introduced a bill to ensure experienced immigration judges hear deportation cases, supporting due process rights. High |
| Healthcare | Juan Vargas voted against the Republican spending bill, H.R. 6703, in 2025, to prevent millions from losing health insurance coverage and facing increased premiums as ACA tax credits expire. He criticized the bill for not addressing the healthcare crisis and also reportedly opposed a Republican budget proposal to cut Medicaid. Vargas advocates for healthcare protections and renewing ACA tax credits. High |
| Climate & Energy | Juan Vargas advocates for climate action, exemplified by his support for EPA funding for climate-resilient projects in San Diego to improve air quality and expand green spaces. He also supported the SEC's climate disclosure rule and sponsored H.R. 1187, which aims to improve corporate transparency on climate risks and ESG metrics for investor protection. As co-chair of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, he thanked President Biden for leadership on climate priorities. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Juan Vargas has consistently voted against legislative measures that restrict abortion access. He voted "Nay" on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21) as recorded by the House Clerk. Additionally, his voting record includes "No" votes on the Pregnant Students' Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Juan Vargas voted against the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, stating concerns that the bill contained provisions which could allow the military to be used for anti-immigrant policies and weaken collective bargaining rights. He believes the legislation prioritized "culture war issues" over the needs of soldiers. Additionally, Vargas has expressed a desire to dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and replace it with an alternative enforcement agency, stating that ICE has "done a terrible job." High |
| Education | Representative Juan Vargas co-introduced the Language Access for All Act of 2026, aiming to codify federal language access requirements to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can access critical services. He stated this legislation is vital for communities. His office also hosts a Youth Policy Council, enabling high school students to learn about the legislative process and discuss community issues. Additionally, he made a statement in 2025 honoring Alicia Eugenia White Bell for her contributions as an educator. High |
| Gun Policy | Juan Vargas voted in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, a law that supports red flag provisions, enhances background checks, and includes investments in mental health care. He also voted to pass legislation aimed at reinstating the Assault Weapons Ban (H.R. 1808) to prohibit the sale and possession of certain semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He supports requiring individuals to be 21 to purchase semi-automatic centerfire rifles and efforts to ban bump stocks, citing the goal of preventing gun violence and saving lives. High |
Get updates on California 52nd Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.