Who Is Running in California Congressional District 16th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Sam Liccardo
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSam Liccardo supports bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering costs and creating jobs. He emphasizes expanding housing supply, leading a bipartisan housing package and working to ease financing for accessory dwelling units. He advocates for supporting innovation, citing its critical role in combating climate change and tackling education gaps. Liccardo also voted against ICE funding and celebrated the blocking of sweeping tariffs.
Immigration
HighSam Liccardo voted against the FY26 Department of Homeland Security funding bill and an extension of ICE funding, citing concerns about the agency's accountability and alleged shift from its mission to remove violent criminals. He criticized ICE's lack of body cameras for all officers despite its budget, proposing to shift funds to local police for accountability. Liccardo also advocates for fair immigration policies focused on working immigrants to benefit the U.S. economy.
Healthcare
HighSam Liccardo supported extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, voting yes on a three-year extension. He co-sponsored the bipartisan Fix It Act, which proposes a two-year extension funded by addressing insurance company overbilling. Liccardo emphasizes these actions are crucial to prevent health insurance premiums from doubling, avoid coverage loss for millions, and maintain a stable insurance pool. He seeks politically viable solutions to protect Americans from rising healthcare costs.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Sam Liccardo |
|---|---|
| Economy | Sam Liccardo supports bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering costs and creating jobs. He emphasizes expanding housing supply, leading a bipartisan housing package and working to ease financing for accessory dwelling units. He advocates for supporting innovation, citing its critical role in combating climate change and tackling education gaps. Liccardo also voted against ICE funding and celebrated the blocking of sweeping tariffs. High |
| Immigration | Sam Liccardo voted against the FY26 Department of Homeland Security funding bill and an extension of ICE funding, citing concerns about the agency's accountability and alleged shift from its mission to remove violent criminals. He criticized ICE's lack of body cameras for all officers despite its budget, proposing to shift funds to local police for accountability. Liccardo also advocates for fair immigration policies focused on working immigrants to benefit the U.S. economy. High |
| Healthcare | Sam Liccardo supported extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, voting yes on a three-year extension. He co-sponsored the bipartisan Fix It Act, which proposes a two-year extension funded by addressing insurance company overbilling. Liccardo emphasizes these actions are crucial to prevent health insurance premiums from doubling, avoid coverage loss for millions, and maintain a stable insurance pool. He seeks politically viable solutions to protect Americans from rising healthcare costs. High |
| Climate & Energy | Sam Liccardo supports implementing a "carbon dividend" to price carbon and incentivize a shift to renewables by returning revenue to taxpayers, aiming to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable. He advocates for the "30x30" conservation initiative, which seeks to preserve 30% of Earth's natural resources by 2030 through federal funding and local partnerships. He is also endorsed by the LCV Action Fund as a climate champion, and states his role involves supporting innovation to combat climate change. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Sam Liccardo advocates for federal protection of reproductive health services, believing Congress must prohibit states from restricting access to medical abortions and telemedicine services, regardless of fetal viability. He supports abortion coverage through Medicaid and expanding access to in vitro fertilization treatment. Liccardo also backs legislation such as the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act, and the Right to Contraception Act. He cites that a pluralistic, democratic society respects individual conscience in these personal decisions. High |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman Sam Liccardo has criticized the executive branch's military actions, specifically denouncing U.S. strikes in Iran and advocating for Congress to reassert its war powers under Article I. He voted against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill for FY26 and against an extension of funding for DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, he spearheads House legislation mirroring the SUN Act to increase oversight for non-disaster National Guard deployments. High |
| Education | Sam Liccardo supports expanding public education and non-traditional career pathways beyond college degrees, including vocational and digital training. He also seeks to address teacher exodus and the need for adult upskilling to adapt to technological changes. Liccardo opposes the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and secured federal funding for teacher workforce housing in the Pacifica School District. High |
| Gun Policy | Sam Liccardo voted Nay on H.Res. 1042 and H.Res. 1057 in 2026, both procedural votes related to modernizing federal firearms laws. As Mayor of San Jose, he implemented mandatory liability insurance and fees for gun owners. He states these measures aim to reduce gun-related harm, compensate taxpayers, support victims, and fund mental health and gun safety services. High |
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