Jimmy Panetta — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Jimmy Panetta voted against the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns about aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and a lack of accountability measures. He emphasizes reducing costs for working families in his district and supports comprehensive immigration reform. He also reintroduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act to strengthen protections for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes.

“I voted no on the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). My vote came down to priorities. I’m focused on reducing costs for working families in California’s 19th Congressional District, especially when it comes to decreasing prices for housing, healthcare, food, fuel, and childcare. This Administration, however, is focused on sending masked agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CPB) into our communities to troll parking lots of big box stores and target, harass, and, as we witnessed recently, harm community members and American citizens." — Rep. Jimmy Panetta, statement following no vote on Department of Homeland Security funding.”

Representative Jimmy Panetta has actively worked to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, focusing on reducing costs for working families. He championed the REAL Health Providers Act, now law, which mandates annual updates to Medicare Advantage provider directories to enhance transparency. Panetta also advocates for protecting and expanding Medicare, supporting bills to offset cuts and link payments to inflation, and pushed for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.

““The high cost of health care is one of the biggest challenges for working families in the 19th Congressional District,” said Rep. Panetta. “We need bipartisan solutions like CommonGround 2025 to meet the reality of the moment we are in to protect healthcare and reduce prices. Despite some of the politics on display in Washington, D.C., there are those of us in the U.S. Congress that actually are working together to provide real solutions to ensure accessible and affordable health care for working families.” - Rep. Jimmy Panetta, press release "Rep. Panetta and a Bipartisan Group of Members Create Framework to Reduce Costs and Fix Health Care"”

Jimmy Panetta supports climate action, stating a commitment to substantial reductions in carbon pollution and investments in clean energy. He helped craft and pass the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce carbon output by 44 percent by 2030. Panetta has also authored bills to block offshore oil drilling, promote clean air and water, and invest in wildfire prevention and reforestation efforts. His goal is to protect public health and the environment for future generations.

“America, and our home state of California, has been a leader in combating climate change. I believe that we must rejoin our global partners in tackling the threat of climate change and commit to substantial reductions in carbon pollution, meaningful investments in clean energy, and policies that strengthen our communities and prioritize the health and safety of current and future generations. - Jimmy Panetta, panetta.house.gov/issues/environment”

Jimmy Panetta consistently supports abortion rights, opposing the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. He received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and an F grade from the Susan B. Anthony List. Panetta supported H.R. 3755, known as the Women’s Health Protection Act, which aims to protect abortion access in federal law, and opposed the discharge petition for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Jimmy Panetta supported securing defense priorities in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions for military families and installations. He co-introduced the bipartisan Restoring American Mineral Security Act and maintains that the U.S. must uphold its commitment to NATO, allies, and the international world order. He voted for a $26 billion military aid package for Israel on April 20, 2024, but voted against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns over accountability for ICE and CBP agents and district cost reduction.

“I am committed to protecting democracies and promoting our shared democratic values around the world. As a United States Representative, I firmly believe that America must continue to lead and uphold its firm and unwavering commitment to NATO, our allies, and the international world order which so many have sacrificed for throughout our history. – Jimmy Panetta, panetta.house.gov/issues/national-security”

Representative Jimmy Panetta voted 'Right' on H.J.Res. 165 on July 11, 2024, opposing a resolution that aimed to nullify a Department of Education rule. This vote aligned with working people, who opposed the resolution because it would strip nondiscrimination protections in federally funded education programs. His vote indicates support for these protections.

Representative Jimmy Panetta has supported legislation to address gun violence, including reintroducing the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Data Integrity Act. He introduced the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to enhance background checks and dealer licensing. Mr. Panetta also voted in favor of H.R. 7910, the Protecting Our Kids Act, H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, to improve firearm safety.

“I introduced this legislation alongside Rep. Robin Kelly because our outdated federal firearm licensing laws aren’t keeping pace with the proliferation of rogue firearms dealers or advancements in new technology. This bill will improve our system of background checks and ensure proper dealer licensing for firearm purchases. It’s a comprehensive, commonsense way to prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands and keep Americans safe." (Rep. Jimmy Panetta, panetta.house.gov/about/legislation)”