Derek Tran — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Derek Tran voted against the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, expressing disappointment that it lacked necessary oversight reforms for ICE and failed to ensure community safety. He supports immigration enforcement focused on apprehending violent criminals, but not actions that he believes terrorize law-abiding families. Conversely, he has faced criticism for previous votes supporting a resolution of gratitude to ICE and the Laken Riley Act, which expands ICE's powers, citing public safety concerns.

““I am deeply disappointed that Congress missed a critical opportunity to keep our neighbors and our local law enforcement safe. While I support immigration enforcement actions that truly focus on apprehending violent criminals, I cannot support the dangerous chaos created by the Trump Administration, which has instead weaponized ICE to terrorize law-abiding families. I cannot reconcile what this legislation purports to call national security when American citizens are seeing tyranny on their own streets.” – Representative Derek Tran, Press Release, January 22, 2026.”

Derek Tran voted against H.R. 5371 to prevent the expiration of Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, aiming to lower healthcare costs and ensure access. He co-sponsored H.R. 4849 to codify tax credits and introduced the bipartisan PBM Reform Act (H.R. 4317) to increase transparency and reduce prescription drug costs. Additionally, he co-leads H.R. 4641 to ensure continuous Medicaid coverage for children. His actions reflect a commitment to ensuring every community member receives necessary medical care.

““Today, I voted against a partisan government funding proposal that will spike health care costs and make life more expensive for Southern California families,” said Representative Tran. “Without the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credit, millions of people will lose their health care coverage and families around the country will see their health care premiums spike by 50-90% – that’s unacceptable. This will be particularly devastating for local entrepreneurs across our community, many of whom rely on the Affordable Care Act to keep up with the costs of owning a business without being priced out of health care. Families in Orange and LA Counties already face some of the highest costs in the country, and this bill fails to deliver the economic relief they deserve.” (Representative Tran, http://tran.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-tran-rejects-partisan-proposal-dismantle-affordable-health-care, Friday, September 19, 2025)”

Derek Tran is dedicated to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change effects, advocating for stronger environmental regulations and clean air and water. He supports promoting sustainable energy production that creates jobs and aims to hold oil and gas companies accountable. Tran also seeks federal funding for Southern California to improve transportation infrastructure and create clean energy jobs. He has been endorsed by the Sierra Club Independent Action and the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund.

“I am dedicated to protecting our environment, not just for the sake of the planet, but the people who live on it too. Climate change has already begun to affect the lives of many people and we need to take stronger measures to curb its effects.” – LCVAF Questionnaire”

Derek Tran supports reproductive rights, emphasizing abortion as a key issue in his campaign. He was endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All for the 2026 election cycle. Tran is committed to addressing threats to reproductive freedom for working-class families in his district.

“Tran told CalMatters abortion is a "number one" issue in the district. (Derek Tran, CalMatters, October 2024)”

Representative Derek Tran supports the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, viewing it as essential for military readiness and improving service members' quality of life. The Act includes a 3.8% troop pay raise and enhanced family support. As a House Armed Services Committee member and veteran, he advocates for military interests. Tran also criticized President Trump's unilateral strikes on Iran, citing concerns about executive power overreach and the need for Congressional authorization.

Derek Tran believes education is essential for opportunity and a bright future, especially as a parent of three public school children and a youth mentor. He works to ensure quality education for all by advocating for higher teacher wages, investing in community public schools, backing early childhood education programs, and expanding vocational training opportunities.

Derek Tran advocates for policies aimed at enhancing community safety by addressing gun violence. He supports universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, increasing police presence to combat crime, and investing in violence prevention and rehabilitation initiatives. His stated goal is to protect families and communities, driven by concerns as a parent of young children.

“... gun safety laws that protect families and communities across our country. In Congress, I remain committed to working to end the gun violence (Derek Tran, Instagram)”