Who Is Running in California Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
John Garamendi
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJohn Garamendi advocates for investments in clean technology, education, and infrastructure to foster job growth. He supports tax savings for middle-class families and small businesses. Garamendi opposed President Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill,” viewing it as detrimental to working people. He also joined in introducing the Direct File Act to establish a permanent, free online tax filing program for taxpayers.
Immigration
HighRep. John Garamendi voted against the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, expressing concerns over funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He cited ICE's excessive force and militarized deportations as reasons for his opposition, stating his aim to rein in the agency. Garamendi also honored a constituent deported by ICE by leaving his State of the Union guest seat empty, and joined colleagues in pressing for answers on ICE's impact on children.
Healthcare
HighJohn Garamendi supports maintaining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure health insurance for Americans and protect against pre-existing conditions. He also advocates for Medicare for All and is resolutely opposed to efforts to privatize Social Security, dismantle Medicare, and defund Medicaid/MediCal. He voted against President Trump's budget bills, calling them a "theft" and a "transfer of wealth" from the vulnerable to the rich.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | John Garamendi |
|---|---|
| Economy | John Garamendi advocates for investments in clean technology, education, and infrastructure to foster job growth. He supports tax savings for middle-class families and small businesses. Garamendi opposed President Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill,” viewing it as detrimental to working people. He also joined in introducing the Direct File Act to establish a permanent, free online tax filing program for taxpayers. High |
| Immigration | Rep. John Garamendi voted against the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, expressing concerns over funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He cited ICE's excessive force and militarized deportations as reasons for his opposition, stating his aim to rein in the agency. Garamendi also honored a constituent deported by ICE by leaving his State of the Union guest seat empty, and joined colleagues in pressing for answers on ICE's impact on children. High |
| Healthcare | John Garamendi supports maintaining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure health insurance for Americans and protect against pre-existing conditions. He also advocates for Medicare for All and is resolutely opposed to efforts to privatize Social Security, dismantle Medicare, and defund Medicaid/MediCal. He voted against President Trump's budget bills, calling them a "theft" and a "transfer of wealth" from the vulnerable to the rich. High |
| Climate & Energy | John Garamendi views climate change as an existential threat, championing policies to reverse its trends and invest in clean, renewable energy. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R.4758) and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act (H.R.4626) on passage. Garamendi also advocates for environmental justice, ensuring clean energy jobs are open to all, and works to protect natural resources and guarantee clean water access, earning an 86% 2024Score from the League of Conservation Voters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | John Garamendi supports abortion access, stating that Roe v. Wade represented a "fundamental human right to bodily autonomy." He opposed the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, characterizing it as "devastating." Garamendi received a 0% score from the National Right to Life Committee, reflecting his votes against measures that would restrict abortion access. High |
| Foreign Policy | John Garamendi supports conscientious diplomacy, human rights, and nuclear weapons oversight, advocating policies that facilitate global prosperity and advance the Peace Corps' mission. He voted against the FY26 NDAA, citing insufficient congressional oversight of the Department of Defense. He opposes unauthorized military actions, as seen in his statement on Trump's strikes on Iran, emphasizing Congress’s role in war and peace. High |
| Education | John Garamendi consistently supports robust investments in schools, advocating for improved educational opportunities and fighting racial and ethnic disparities. He has consistently voted for and introduced legislation, such as the bipartisan Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act, to make college accessible and student loans more affordable. Garamendi also supports federal investments in STEM education, aiming to lower class sizes and preserve after-school, arts, music, and sports programs. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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