Mark Desaulnier — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Mark DeSaulnier voted against the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which included funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also opposed the Laken Riley Act, stating it would go against foundational judicial principles of innocent until proven guilty. DeSaulnier is a sponsor of the Dream and Promise Act, advocating for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED beneficiaries. He has also spoken out against reopening the FCI Dublin facility for immigration detention, citing concerns over unsafe conditions and community impact.

“I have heard from thousands of constituents about their concern over ICE agents’ violence and lawlessness, which I share. Today, I voted NO on a bill to give even more money to ICE. We must rein in this rogue institution and that begins with cutting off funding until ICE is held accountable,” sad DeSaulnier. (Contra Costa News, January 22, 2026)”

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier voted against H.R. 5371, stating it would harm healthcare and the wellbeing of his constituents, and opposed a Republican budget that proposed cutting Medicaid. He advocates for lowering healthcare costs and protecting access to care. He has engaged with healthcare providers to discuss extending ACA tax credits to reduce premium costs for families.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.” - Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, Statement upon voting “no” on H.R. 5371, October 2025”

Mark DeSaulnier holds a strong pro-environment position, evidenced by a 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) in 2025 and a 100% lifetime LCV score. He has consistently voted in favor of environmental protection measures, including on issues like the Crude Oil Export Ban and against rolling back methane polluter fees. He authored bills such as the Jobs for a Carbon Free Transportation System Act and the Protecting Workers for a Clean Future Act.

Mark DeSaulnier is a strong supporter of reproductive rights, demonstrated by his votes for the Women's Health Protection Act, the Right to Contraception Act, and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. He sponsors the Access to Family Building Act and opposes measures to restrict abortion access or defund Planned Parenthood. He advocates for enshrining equal rights for women in the Constitution.

Mark Desaulnier voted against the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which provided funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He cited concerns regarding "ICE agents’ violence and lawlessness," asserting that the institution needs accountability, beginning with a cut in funding. Additionally, he voted Nay on the "Made-in-America Defense Act" (HB4216) in the 119th Congress.

“I have heard from thousands of constituents about their concern over ICE agents’ violence and lawlessness, which I share. Today, I voted NO on a bill to give even more money to ICE. We must rein in this rogue institution and that begins with cutting off funding until ICE is held accountable,” sad DeSaulnier.”

Mark DeSaulnier advocates for quality education from preschool through higher education, emphasizing accessible and affordable college opportunities for all students. He sponsored the College Affordability Act to reduce college costs and introduced the What You Can Do For Your Country Act to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. These legislative efforts aim to make public service a more viable career option for individuals with student debt. He is a recommended candidate by Education Votes, an organization that supports pro-public education leaders.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier supports gun violence prevention, including universal background checks, and authored the Gun Safety Board and Research Act (H.R. 4177, later H.R. 4882) to promote research and evidence-based solutions. He supported the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He introduced bills like the Local Gun Violence Reduction Act (H.R. 4883) and the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4918) to improve gun safety and make communities safer.

““We are not powerless in the face of the gun violence epidemic – research and science prove that commonsense gun safety reforms save lives. I am proud to again introduce these bills that follow the science, remove politics from solving this public health crisis, and put the wellbeing of the American people over the interests of the gun lobby,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.”