Lateefah Simon — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

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.

“I voted NO on H.R. 7147, the FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which would continue to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at outrageous levels and further enable the Trump Administration’s racist enforcement actions against immigrant communities across this country. Simply put – I cannot and will not continue to fund lawlessness or federal agencies that terrorize families in their own neighborhoods and criminalize people for seeking opportunity and refuge. What we’re witnessing is cruel, immoral, and completely at odds with the promise of the American dream. I am committed to ending this escalation of state violence against Black and brown people and the immigrant communities who make our country stronger." - Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, January 23, 2026”

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.

“Families in my district and across the country are struggling to afford health care, student loans, housing, and transportation needs. Our nation’s investments should be in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their age, can access affordable health care, live in safe, affordable homes, and go to school without the burden of student debt –- not in furthering forever wars in service of one man’s demands." — Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, statement after voting NO on H.R. 7146, Consolidated Appropriations Act, from simon.house.gov.”

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.

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.

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.

“Today, I proudly voted NO on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act for Trump's Department of War. I will not vote to fund war. Not now, not ever, and especially not when our government can't find money to eliminate homelessness and poverty, give kids a free lunch at school, or ensure health care for our veterans. This bill will continue the genocide in Gaza, keep militarized forces in the streets of D.C., and make weapons manufacturers even more money." - Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Press Release, September 11, 2025.”

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.

““Before our disabled elders secured our rights under the law, disabled kids were locked out of systems and out of their potential,” Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Ca.), who is blind, told me in a statement. (Lateefah Simon, lateefahsimon.com, January 17, 2026)”

Research pending more substantial sources.