Who Is Running in California Congressional District 12th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Lateefah Simon
(Incumbent)Economy
MediumCongresswoman Lateefah Simon sponsored the "Information Quality Assurance Act" (IQAA), which passed the House by 362 to 1 and is related to the tech economy and small business. She advocates for affordable housing, economic justice, and improved transit to help people access work. Simon also emphasizes creating an economy that supports all communities and serves on the Committee on Small Business.
Immigration
HighCongresswoman Lateefah Simon voted against H.R. 7147, the FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which included funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She stated that these agencies require accountability and reform, rather than additional funding for enforcement actions. Simon expressed concerns that increased funding enables racist enforcement actions against immigrant communities and contributes to a cruel system of mass detention and militarized policing.
Healthcare
HighLateefah Simon voted against H.R. 7146 and H.R. 7006, citing concerns that these defense spending measures diverted funds from essential public health, international family planning, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She also opposed a continuing resolution for failing to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower healthcare costs. Simon has secured federal funding for community projects in her district and advocates for accessible, affordable healthcare.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Lateefah Simon |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congresswoman Lateefah Simon sponsored the "Information Quality Assurance Act" (IQAA), which passed the House by 362 to 1 and is related to the tech economy and small business. She advocates for affordable housing, economic justice, and improved transit to help people access work. Simon also emphasizes creating an economy that supports all communities and serves on the Committee on Small Business. Medium |
| Immigration | Congresswoman Lateefah Simon voted against H.R. 7147, the FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which included funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She stated that these agencies require accountability and reform, rather than additional funding for enforcement actions. Simon expressed concerns that increased funding enables racist enforcement actions against immigrant communities and contributes to a cruel system of mass detention and militarized policing. High |
| Healthcare | Lateefah Simon voted against H.R. 7146 and H.R. 7006, citing concerns that these defense spending measures diverted funds from essential public health, international family planning, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She also opposed a continuing resolution for failing to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower healthcare costs. Simon has secured federal funding for community projects in her district and advocates for accessible, affordable healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Lateefah Simon views the climate emergency as an existential threat and supports robust solutions, including building on the Inflation Reduction Act and passing the Green New Deal. She advocates for transitioning to net-zero emissions, investing in clean energy infrastructure and research, and streamlining energy transmission permitting. Simon also prioritizes climate justice by addressing Superfund sites, expanding clean energy transition initiatives, and offering tax incentives for energy-efficient homes. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Lateefah Simon is a proponent of reproductive justice, evidenced by her endorsement from Reproductive Freedom For All for the U.S. House. She has advocated for the passage of the EACH Act to end the Hyde Amendment and abortion coverage bans, and REAHYA for inclusive sex education. Simon has also sponsored HR4099, the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, and HCONRES65, commending championing reproductive rights as human rights. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Congresswoman Lateefah Simon voted against the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing opposition to funding war and a preference for investments in social programs like homelessness, poverty, and healthcare. She also opposed the FY2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill and the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Simon explained these votes by stating she will not fund federal agencies engaged in what she calls "lawlessness" or "state violence" against immigrant communities, advocating for accountability over increased enforcement funding. High |
| Education | Lateefah Simon supports education, having secured over $344 million in federal funding for California’s 12th Congressional District, including $11.2 million for community projects through the FY2026 Community Project Funding Grant process. She also spearheaded efforts with 117 House Democrats to oppose the Trump Administration's decision to lay off federal employees dedicated to the education and support of students with disabilities and their families. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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