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California's 26th District Heats Up After Brownley's Exit

A wave of new candidates enters the fray as Ventura County's political future hangs in the balance. Who will step up to tackle wildfires, coastal erosion, and more?

The image shows a poster of the Central Valley Project in California. It features a map of the area...
The image shows a poster of the Central Valley Project in California. It features a map of the area with pictures and text detailing the project's purpose.

California's 26th District Heats Up After Brownley's Exit

California’s 26th Congressional District is preparing for a competitive race after Rep. Julia Brownley announced she will not seek reelection. The seat, currently ranked as solidly Democratic by the Cook Political Report, covers Ventura County and parts of L.A. County, including cities like Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Calabasas. Multiple candidates from both major parties have already stepped forward to contest the open position. The Democratic field includes four notable contenders. Jacqui Irwin, a state Assembly member, stands out as the only candidate with prior elected experience. Sonia Devgan-Kacker, a physician and small-business owner, has also entered the race, alongside environmental law advocate Chris Espinosa.

On the Republican side, three candidates are vying for the nomination. Samuel Gallucci, a senior pastor at Embrace Church in Oxnard, has lived in Ventura County for 40 years. William Scott, a retired Department of Defense civil servant, brings government experience to the campaign. Michael Koslow, a retired Air Force veteran and former federal agent, rounds out the GOP lineup. The district itself faces pressing issues, from wildfire risks in inland areas to coastal erosion and flooding threats along the shoreline. These challenges are likely to shape debates as candidates outline their priorities for voters.

With Brownley’s departure, the race for the 26th District has drawn a mix of political newcomers and experienced figures. The outcome will determine who represents a region grappling with both environmental and infrastructure concerns. Voters will decide between candidates offering different backgrounds and policy approaches in the upcoming election.

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