John Garamendi — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Rep. John Garamendi voted against the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, expressing concerns over funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He cited ICE's excessive force and militarized deportations as reasons for his opposition, stating his aim to rein in the agency. Garamendi also honored a constituent deported by ICE by leaving his State of the Union guest seat empty, and joined colleagues in pressing for answers on ICE's impact on children.

“I voted NO on the DHS funding bill that gives ICE more money. From the beginning, I’ve been among the first to call out ICE’s excessive force and oppose militarized deportations. I’ve backed every effort to rein in ICE, and this is no different,” said Rep. Garamendi. (From Rep. Garamendi Votes NO on More ICE Funding, January 23, 2026)”

John Garamendi supports maintaining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure health insurance for Americans and protect against pre-existing conditions. He also advocates for Medicare for All and is resolutely opposed to efforts to privatize Social Security, dismantle Medicare, and defund Medicaid/MediCal. He voted against President Trump's budget bills, calling them a "theft" and a "transfer of wealth" from the vulnerable to the rich.

““Today, House Republicans—at the direction of Donald Trump—conducted the biggest theft in U.S. history. Their budget reconciliation bill is the largest transfer of wealth from the country’s most vulnerable to its richest.” (Congressman John Garamendi, on voting against Trump and House Republicans’ devastating budget bill)”

John Garamendi views climate change as an existential threat, championing policies to reverse its trends and invest in clean, renewable energy. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R.4758) and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act (H.R.4626) on passage. Garamendi also advocates for environmental justice, ensuring clean energy jobs are open to all, and works to protect natural resources and guarantee clean water access, earning an 86% 2024Score from the League of Conservation Voters.

“Climate change is the most serious, existential threat facing us today. As a lifelong Californian, I have treasured my time exploring the natural beauty of our state and am committed to ensuring it is preserved for future generations. I am a proud champion of policies that would reverse the dangerous trends of climate change and increase investments in clean, renewable energy. — John Garamendi, http://garamendi.house.gov/legislative-work/issues/environment”

John Garamendi supports abortion access, stating that Roe v. Wade represented a "fundamental human right to bodily autonomy." He opposed the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, characterizing it as "devastating." Garamendi received a 0% score from the National Right to Life Committee, reflecting his votes against measures that would restrict abortion access.

“John Garamendi called Roe v. Wade a "fundamental human right to bodily autonomy" and termed its overturning "devastating." (Wikipedia, regarding his position on Roe v. Wade and its overturning in 2022)”

John Garamendi supports conscientious diplomacy, human rights, and nuclear weapons oversight, advocating policies that facilitate global prosperity and advance the Peace Corps' mission. He voted against the FY26 NDAA, citing insufficient congressional oversight of the Department of Defense. He opposes unauthorized military actions, as seen in his statement on Trump's strikes on Iran, emphasizing Congress’s role in war and peace.

““For years, the House Armed Services Committee has worked to craft a bipartisan bill that ensures strong congressional oversight of the Department of Defense and guarantees that our servicemembers and their families have the resources they need to accomplish their mission. [...] “To be clear, the bill contains many provisions I am proud of. As the Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I fought for military construction projects that will improve quality-of-life infrastructure—barracks, housing, and Child Development Centers, including one at Travis Air Force Base. I am proud of our work pressing the Department to take sustainment costs seriously, and I commend the committee staff for their tireless efforts to strengthen this legislation. [...] “Each year, I have worked hard to help make this bill the best it can be, but this year’s bill falls short at a moment when congressional oversight is more important than ever. “As the administration deploys American troops to our streets, carries out extrajudicial killings in the middle of the ocean, and uses military aircraft for deportations, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump are eroding our military’s readiness while advancing their authoritarian ambitions. At a moment when this Administration is dangerously close to dragging us into a disastrous and unauthorized war, this bill does not do enough to reinforce Congress’s role as a co-equal branch responsible for matters of war and peace." — John Garamendi, Rep. Garamendi Statement on NDAA NO Vote, December 10, 2025.”

John Garamendi consistently supports robust investments in schools, advocating for improved educational opportunities and fighting racial and ethnic disparities. He has consistently voted for and introduced legislation, such as the bipartisan Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act, to make college accessible and student loans more affordable. Garamendi also supports federal investments in STEM education, aiming to lower class sizes and preserve after-school, arts, music, and sports programs.

“Mr. Speaker, on February 2, 2026, I was recorded as ‘‘Not Voting’’ on rollcall Vote No. 50. During the vote, I remained present in the House Chamber after voting on rollcall No. 49, and I attempted to cast my electronic vote on rollcall Vote No. 50. I then departed the House Chamber, though my attempted vote apparently was not [...]" — Hon. John Garamendi, U.S. House of Representatives, February 5, 2026, via congress.gov.”

Research pending more substantial sources.