Josh Harder — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

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.

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.

“Fight for Health Care in the Valley I will continue my work to improve our health care system, not devastate it by: Lowering costs Insurance premiums on the ACA marketplace in Stanislaus County rose 24% in 2018. We must provide short-term relief by increasing competition on the marketplaces by letting people buy into Medicare, curtailing prescription drug prices, and bringing more people into the marketplace. America spends far more on health care than any other country, but we’re less healthy. The big drug companies jack up prices on life-saving medicines that can be bought for a fraction of the cost in Canada. And for too many working people, premiums, co-pays, and deductibles are so expensive that they can’t even afford to use the insurance they have. It’s time to attack high - Josh Harder (Ballotpedia)”

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.

“I strongly believe in the scientific consensus that climate change is real and man-made. I will fight back against the Trump Administration’s dangerous attempts to undermine the Environmental Protection Agency and undo international agreements on climate change. Instead, we must make sure there are adequate incentives to invest in clean energy sources and move away from polluting fossil fuels. (Josh Harder, Ballotpedia.org)”

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.

“I will be a fierce advocate for women’s rights, including supporting their economic security and reproductive rights. I will defend Planned Parenthood against attacks to stop reimbursement for critical medical care like cancer screenings and STD testing. (Josh Harder, Ballotpedia)”

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.

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.

“As a former businessman, I know what it takes to grow a business from a couple of guys in a garage to a company with hundreds of employees. I’m using this experience to bring more good-paying jobs and more opportunity to the Central Valley. We have to attract top job opportunities to the Valley – and that starts by making sure our community has the in-demand skills to match what employers need. That's why I'm focused on building stronger apprenticeship and vocational programs to get folks the skills they need for good-paying jobs. - Rep. Josh Harder, harder.house.gov/issues/jobs-education”

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.

“Protect responsible gun owners and their right to protect their family. We must ensure the right for responsible gun owners to be able to hunt and protect their home is respected, along with the 2nd amendment. Take the successes we've seen in California nationwide. In California, we've seen a huge reduction in gun deaths thanks to our common sense reforms. That's why I don't want to change anything for gun owners here in the Central Valley, but take our reforms and institute them nationwide. Not only will this help protect the people living across the country, but it will also reduce the ability for criminals, domestic abusers, and terrorists here in the Central Valley to get their hands on guns. (Josh Harder, as quoted on Ballotpedia)”