Norma Torres — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

Norma Torres opposes restrictive immigration enforcement, criticizing actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as abusive, illegal, and unconstitutional. She advocates for due process and equal protection under the law, stating she does not support the detention of individuals without criminal records, including those pursuing asylum or lawful status. Torres has pushed for accountability regarding ICE abuses and conducted oversight inspections of federal immigration detention facilities.

“I do not support the detention of individuals who do not have a criminal record, including those who are actively pursuing lawful immigration status or seeking protection under our nation’s asylum laws. Due process and equal protection under the law are fundamental principles that must be upheld without exception. - Congresswoman Norma Torres, Statement on Ongoing ICE Abuses, February 23, 2026”

Norma Torres believes everyone should have access to quality and affordable health care, striving to eliminate disparities in the health care system. As a State Senator, she worked to make Covered California more accessible and diversified state health board members. In Congress, she consistently supports critical funding for California's public health care system, safety net hospitals, and health centers serving aging, low-income, and rural communities. She voted against H.R. 6703 in 2026, supporting healthcare access, and opposes efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act.

“I believe everyone should have access to quality and affordable health care and that federal health policy should strive to eliminate any disparities that exist in our health care system. While the Affordable Care Act is not perfect, I oppose efforts to eliminate it and medical insurance for millions of Americans. I will continue fighting to improve this historic legislation until we can guarantee effective and affordable health care coverage and access for all. - Norma Torres, https://torres.house.gov/issue/health-care”

Norma Torres is committed to addressing drought and climate change in California, advocating for clean land, air, and water through sensible pollution prevention. She prioritizes energy efficiency, renewable sources like solar, and increased investments in water infrastructure, including recycling and desalination technologies. Torres introduced the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Act and cosponsored the Water in the 21st Century Act, aiming to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

“I have demonstrated a commitment to taking on challenges like drought and climate change that are impacting California. I'm proud to work hard to ensure that the land, air, and water are kept clean through supporting sensible legislation aimed at preventing pollution while balancing economic development and environmental conservation. My priorities include promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy sources like solar, as well as increasing investments in water infrastructure and funding development of new technologies that have the capacity to expand water recycling and desalination capabilities. (Rep. Norma Torres, torres.house.gov/issue/energy-and-environment)”

Norma Torres supports reproductive rights and has been endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All and Population Connection Action. She advocates for women to have affordable family planning conversations with their doctors and the ability to choose when to have a family and avoid pregnancies. She believes it is unfortunate that these options are often denied to American women.

““I will put it in different terms, it is tiring to be here on this floor or in committee as a woman — to continue to be counseled about what types of affordable — whether it is family planning conversations that rightfully I deserve to have with my own doctor, [or] choosing when women want to have a family and to avoid pregnancies before they become pregnancies,” Torres said. “It is unfortunate that, that is something that continues to be denied to American women day in and day out on this floor.” (Norma Torres, Roll Call, June 12, 2019)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Norma Torres voted for the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS) spending bill and introduced amendments to protect early childhood education and restore the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. She supports these measures to ensure every child has the foundation needed to succeed. Torres also advocates for investments in all levels of education, expanding college affordability, increasing financial aid, and reducing student loan debt, and secured $2,000,000 for the Ontario-Montclair School District's Safer Schools Initiative. She is a recommended candidate by Education Votes for the 2026 election.

““Cutting preschool development grants would set our children back before they’ve even started,” said Congresswoman Torres. “California families depend on these grants to improve care and education for our children under five. I will fight to make sure every child, no matter their ZIP code, has the foundation they need to succeed.” (Congresswoman Norma Torres, https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-fights-to-protect-early-childhood-education-and-federal-disaster-aid-for-california-families-in-fy26-lhhs-bill)”

Congresswoman Norma Torres and Representative Brad Schneider reintroduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, which she described as a step to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and to address gun violence. She is endorsed by Giffords, an organization focused on preventing gun violence. Additionally, Torres advocates for increased resources and coordination for local law enforcement, including access to surplus military equipment and training to respond to threats.

““Just this month, I sat with young students in my district— who should be thinking about school, friends, and their futures—but instead, are advocating for a call to action against gun violence,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres, in a press release about the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act. “Their voices, stories and their courage stay with me every day. This bill is a commonsense step to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America. That is a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality. Yet, Republicans in Congress continue to block meaningful reforms, and the Trump Administration is making it easier for dangerous individuals to access deadly weapons. I refuse to stand by as our communities suffer and families are torn apart. I’ll keep fighting with everything I have to close””