Mark Takano — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Mark Takano advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, supporting expeditious legal pathways to citizenship for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, alongside increased border resources. He co-sponsored H.R.6565 to promote family unity and H.R.6521 to restrict DHS arrests in immigration courts. He also introduced and passed the Veteran Service Recognition Act to aid noncitizen servicemembers with naturalization. Additionally, he has called for reforms at ICE and accountability for DHS.

““Today, I stood shoulder to shoulder with Chairman Aguilar, Rep. Ruiz, and Inland Empire community leaders to say one word: enough,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “CBP and ICE are out of control, and Congress cannot pretend this is business as usual. If Donald Trump will not fire Kristi Noem, Congress will impeach her. And without accountability and reform, DHS should not receive another dollar of taxpayer funding.” – Reps. Aguilar, Ruiz, Takano, Immigrant Justice Advocates Hold Press Conference Calling Out DHS Brutality, Demanding Accountability, January 29, 2026”

Representative Mark Takano voted against the FY26 NDAA, citing its failure to adequately address healthcare needs for servicemembers and veterans, including reproductive healthcare access. He supported the VETERAN Act (H.R. 2372) to ensure 7 million veterans receive access to healthcare tax credits. Takano stated his focus is on advancing legislation to cancel cuts, lower costs, and save healthcare for Americans.

“This final version of the NDAA fails to adequately address the needs of servicemembers transitioning from active duty, veterans affected by the current housing crisis and experiencing homelessness, veterans who have suffered toxic exposure during their service, and female servicemembers and veterans requiring access to reproductive healthcare. Our veterans have earned our commitment to ensuring their comprehensive support. While they merit the highest standard of care our nation can provide, critical gaps remain unaddressed. This NDAA does not go far enough for those brave men and women who were ready to put their lives on the line for our country.” — Rep. Mark Takano, in a press release explaining his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.”

Mark Takano supports comprehensive proposals like the Green New Deal to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. He supports green energy alternatives, including provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and introduced the Battery Storage Innovation Act. Takano holds a 100% 2024 score and a 99% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, reflecting his strong alignment with environmental advocacy.

““Today marks two years since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). I am proud to have voted for this landmark legislation which equips the Biden-Harris administration with programs to invest in our communities and make a greener and healthier future.” — Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), statement marking the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, from https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/letters-sent?PageNum_rs=3&c=all&type=press_release”

Representative Mark Takano voted against the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, citing its failure to adequately address reproductive healthcare access for female servicemembers and veterans. He co-led a joint resolution to block the Department of Veterans Affairs' abortion rule, stating it strips veterans' freedoms and damages trust. Mr. Takano is also a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, committed to advancing reproductive rights and freedom.

““VA’s rule leaves veterans with less access to abortion care than individuals covered by every other federal healthcare program, including the Bureau of Prisons, which covers this essential care in instances of rape, incest, and threat to life,” said Ranking Member Takano (CA-39) of the VA abortion rule.“Veterans fought for our freedoms, and now this administration is stripping them of their freedoms. We trusted them to carry out the missions of our country, but VA no longer trusts them to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions. My fellow Democrats and I will not stand by as VA undoes the critical progress we made during the last administration. I thank Congresswoman Brownley for her leadership on this joint resolution of disapproval.””

Representative Mark Takano voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), explaining that while it contained some positive bipartisan investments, he found several other provisions problematic, such as the exclusion of access to IVF and protections for Department of Defense civilian employees. He also opposed military action against Iran, stressing the importance of fully funding and strengthening the VA system to care for servicemembers and veterans before committing to new conflicts.

““Congress has a vital role in securing America’s national security when writing the NDAA. There are key provisions in this year’s bill that are bipartisan, much-needed investments in furthering that goal, but too many other sections of the bill are problematic. Therefore, I voted NO on the FY26 NDAA. [...] “I applaud the investments in our servicemembers and materiel, ranging from substantial pay raises to acquisition reform. I also commend our Congressional leaders for taking back some legislative prerogatives, including the repeals of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq and pushing the Secretary of Defense to provide unredacted videos of all strikes that have occurred in Latin America. However, I am frustrated that Speaker Johnson also excluded several provisions that have bipartisan and bicameral support, including establishing access to IVF, addressing the renaming of military installations and bases after Confederates, and protecting collective bargaining rights for Department of Defense civilian employees. [...] “If America is to stay a free and prosperous nation, it is imperative that Congress returns to the model of making investments in our common defense without partisanship or ideological agenda. The future of our country rests on it.” - Rep. Mark Takano, in a statement explaining his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, December 10, 2025.”

Mark Takano advocates for robust investment in education, viewing it as essential for future economic prosperity and classroom performance, drawing on his two decades as a teacher. He supports strengthening early childhood education, increasing access to affordable higher education by supporting Pell Grants and low student loan interest rates, and protecting students from predatory for-profit colleges. He also advocates for replacing "No Child Left Behind" with an emphasis on STEAM education. He is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and National Education Association.

“Secretary McMahon has used the Department of Education to discriminate against trans students." (Rep. Mark Takano, Instagram, January 14, 2026)”

Representative Mark Takano supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded background check requirements and protected victims of domestic violence. He introduced the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act to fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand gun violence. He advocates for federal action, including a federal assault weapon ban, to address gun violence.

“I was proud to support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law last Congress, to expand background check requirements, protect victims of domestic violence, and more to keep our schools and communities safe from gun violence. — Rep. Mark Takano, takano.house.gov/issues/public-safety”