2026 Elections · California

California's 36th Congressional District Candidates 2026

See every declared 2026 U.S. House candidate running in this California congressional district, with FEC campaign finance and where they stand on the issues.

Source:FECUpdated Oct 19, 2026Report a correction

Who is running in California's 36th Congressional District in 2026?

Ted Lieu (Democratic) and Houston Brignano (Republican).

  • Ted LieuDemocraticIncumbent✓ Verified
    $2.2M raised
    • Official FEC
    • Positions sourced
    See Ted Lieu's sponsored bills →
  • Houston BrignanoRepublican✓ Verified
    $12K raised
    • Official FEC
    • Positions sourced

Where they stand

Sources under every entry. Sentences are AI-written from the linked source.

Where they differ: Ted Lieu votes yea on technology and financial protection bills but nay on capital access and privacy purchase acts, and he supports protecting immigrant workers and refugees while voting nay on multiple immigration restriction bills and yea on a national emergency resolution 134. Houston Brignano supports AI-focused job training programs to prepare workers for the job market and advocates for an immigration system that prioritizes American-born citizens in the job market 25.
AI-written comparison of the sourced entries below. Generated Oct 18, 2026.

Where the candidates stand, by issue
IssueTed LieuDemocraticHouston BrignanoRepublican
Economy & Jobs

Lieu votes yea on technology and financial protection bills but nay on capital access and privacy purchase acts.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

Brignano supports AI-focused job training programs to prepare workers for the job market.

ReportedSource ↗Verified Oct 8, 2026AI-written

Where they differ on Economy & Jobs: Ted Lieu votes yea on technology and financial protection bills but nay on capital access and privacy purchase acts 1. Houston Brignano supports AI-focused job training programs to prepare workers for the job market 2.
Healthcare

Lieu votes yea on rural care and patient support acts but nay on Medicaid harm and lowering premiums bills.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Immigration

Lieu supports protecting immigrant workers and refugees, emphasizing their contributions and advocating for humane immigration policies.

Own words (office website)Source ↗Verified Oct 12, 2026AI-written

Lieu votes nay on multiple immigration restriction bills and yea on a national emergency resolution.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

Brignano has advocated for an immigration system that prioritizes American-born citizens in the job market.

ReportedSource ↗Verified Oct 8, 2026AI-written

Where they differ on Immigration: Ted Lieu supports protecting immigrant workers and refugees, emphasizing their contributions and advocating for humane immigration policies 1. He voted nay on multiple immigration restriction bills and yea on a national emergency resolution 2. Houston Brignano has advocated for an immigration system that prioritizes American-born citizens in the job market 3.
Public Safety & Crime

Lieu supports federal funding to enhance public safety infrastructure and combat fentanyl overdoses.

Own words (office website)Source ↗Verified Oct 12, 2026AI-written

Lieu votes yea on prison safety and bail reform acts but nay on privacy, 2nd amendment, and violent offender bills.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Abortion

No public position found. Check their site ↗

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Taxes & Government Spending

Lieu votes yea on tax relief and AGOA extension but nay on budget and appropriations resolutions.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Energy & Environment

Lieu votes yea on emissions reduction and conservation acts but nay on EPA rule disapproval and HEATS Act.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Foreign Policy & Defense

Lieu votes yea on resolutions to remove US forces from hostilities and veterans clinic naming but nay on defense authorization and FISA extension.

Official recordSource ↗Verified Oct 18, 2026AI-written

No public position found. Check their site ↗

Common questions

When is the election?

The general election is on November 3, 2026.

How do the candidates differ on Economy & Jobs?

Ted Lieu votes yea on technology and financial protection bills but nay on capital access and privacy purchase acts. Houston Brignano supports AI-focused job training programs to prepare workers for the job market.

How do the candidates differ on Immigration?

Ted Lieu supports protecting immigrant workers and refugees, emphasizing their contributions and advocating for humane immigration policies. He voted nay on multiple immigration restriction bills and yea on a national emergency resolution. Houston Brignano has advocated for an immigration system that prioritizes American-born citizens in the job market.