Who Is Running in California Congressional District 9th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Josh Harder
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJosh Harder advocates for economic growth by investing in green energy, supporting small businesses, and promoting agricultural technology. He has announced economic growth priorities to bring infrastructure investments and backed legislation to bring health care providers to communities through tax credits. Harder voted against the Delta Tunnel project, stating it threatens the region's economic livelihood. He also focuses on building stronger apprenticeship and vocational programs to match skills with employer needs.
Immigration
MediumJosh Harder supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. He voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and the Dream and Promise Act, stating these bills provide solutions for farmworkers and a path to lawful permanent residence for Dreamers and other protected status recipients. He also advocates for strong border security and enhanced technology, believing both are important for the country's success.
Healthcare
HighJosh Harder supports improving healthcare by reducing costs, increasing competition, and curtailing drug prices. He introduced the Contractors Accountability and Transparency (CAT) Act to enhance oversight of healthcare contractors and the Bring More Therapists to the Valley Act for mental health services. Harder voted against a federal budget reconciliation bill, condemning its healthcare cuts, and also voted against H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act." He secured $950,000 for Community Medical Centers.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Josh Harder |
|---|---|
| Economy | Josh Harder advocates for economic growth by investing in green energy, supporting small businesses, and promoting agricultural technology. He has announced economic growth priorities to bring infrastructure investments and backed legislation to bring health care providers to communities through tax credits. Harder voted against the Delta Tunnel project, stating it threatens the region's economic livelihood. He also focuses on building stronger apprenticeship and vocational programs to match skills with employer needs. High |
| Immigration | Josh Harder supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. He voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and the Dream and Promise Act, stating these bills provide solutions for farmworkers and a path to lawful permanent residence for Dreamers and other protected status recipients. He also advocates for strong border security and enhanced technology, believing both are important for the country's success. Medium |
| Healthcare | Josh Harder supports improving healthcare by reducing costs, increasing competition, and curtailing drug prices. He introduced the Contractors Accountability and Transparency (CAT) Act to enhance oversight of healthcare contractors and the Bring More Therapists to the Valley Act for mental health services. Harder voted against a federal budget reconciliation bill, condemning its healthcare cuts, and also voted against H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act." He secured $950,000 for Community Medical Centers. High |
| Climate & Energy | Josh Harder states his belief in the scientific consensus on climate change and advocates for incentives to invest in clean energy sources. He voted 'No' on HR 4626 and HR 4776, which concerned home appliances and economic development permitting, and 'Yes' on HR 6938, an appropriations act for energy and environment. Harder achieved a 93% 2024 score and a 97% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Josh Harder supports reproductive rights and access to abortion. He has stated he will be a fierce advocate for women's rights and will defend Planned Parenthood against attacks that would stop reimbursement for critical medical care, such as cancer screenings and STD testing. He received an endorsement from Reproductive Freedom for All. High |
| Foreign Policy | Josh Harder generally advocates for a "peace through strength" approach to foreign policy, emphasizing national defense. He calls for a return to a "Reagan model" to protect national freedom, citing current defense budget levels as historically low. However, he voted against increasing defense spending in 2026, indicating a mixed stance on defense allocations. Low |
| Education | Josh Harder supports education by focusing on building stronger apprenticeship and vocational programs to provide in-demand skills for good-paying jobs. He also advocated for the release of $18 million in frozen education funding for San Joaquin County, intended for teacher hiring, STEM education, and after-school programs. Additionally, he encourages high school students to participate in national events like the Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. High |
| Gun Policy | Josh Harder has stated his position is to protect responsible gun owners while instituting California's reforms nationwide to reduce gun deaths and prevent criminals from acquiring firearms. He voted yes on the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act in 2025 and voted no on two other gun-related bills in 2026 and 2025. Harder is endorsed by Giffords, a gun safety organization, and received an "F" grade from Gun Owners of America. High |
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