James
Gallagher
Republican James Gallagher represents California's 1st District after winning a June 2026 special election.
- sources
- 19
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 30
Background
James Gallagher (born 1981) is a Republican politician from Sutter County, California, who has represented California's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since June 2026. He won a special election on June 2, 2026, to fill the seat vacated by the death of Representative Doug LaMalfa, and was certified by the California Secretary of State shortly thereafter. 1212
Before entering Congress, Gallagher served in the California State Assembly from December 2014 to May 2026, including as Assembly Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025. Prior to that, he served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors from 2009 to 2014. 12
Gallagher earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley (2003) and a J.D. from the University of California, Davis (2007). Before his political career, he practiced agricultural law and was a partner in his family's farming business. 2
He was born in Yuba City, California, and resides in Sutter County with his family. He is seeking a full term in Congress in the November 3, 2026 general election. 124
At a glance
- Party
- Republican · Incumbent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 1, California
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- U.S. Representative for California's 1st Congressional District
- Website
- electjamesgallagher.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Voting record
How James Gallagher voted in Congress: 119th Congress (2025–26), Jun 10, 2026 to Sep 16, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.
- roll call votes
- 98
- missed
- 6.1%
- with their party’s majority
- 95%
Recent key votes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · S2403 · Economy & jobsRetire through Ownership ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Did not vote
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9497 · Climate & energyWater Resources Development ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9340 · Climate & energyRatepayer Protection ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HJRES213 · Climate & energyProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision”On Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR10326 · Crime & public safetyPROOF ActOn Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9576 · Crime & public safetyNational Fraud Enforcement Division ActOn Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 15, 2026 · House · HJRES210 · Climate & energyProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision”On Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 15, 2026 · House · HR9500 · Taxes & budgetTax Relief for Fraud Victims ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 98 votes →
Timeline
- Oct 7newsGallagher sends letter to USTR seeking wine-import and export policy reforms
Gallagher wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer requesting a higher threshold for labeling wine 'American,' changes to duty-drawback refunds on imported wine, and expanded export access in Canada, India, and Vietnam.
Can wine import reforms rescue California grape growers? · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6debateGallagher and McGuire clash at Ukiah forum on taxes, Trump, Iran war, and water
The roughly 50-minute forum, sponsored by the Mendocino Women's Political Coalition, covered taxes, health care, the Iran war, and water policy. Gallagher defended the Iran war and fiscal restraint. The moderator admonished Gallagher for personal attacks, referencing rules both candidates had signed. Gallagher said of McGuire, 'in Sacramento, he sells you out.'
McGuire and Gallagher clash as 1st Congressional District rivals debate taxes, Trump, Iran war · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5newsCalifornia mail ballots begin going out to CA-1 voters
Mail ballots for the November 3 general election began reaching voters in California's 1st Congressional District around October 5.
Congressional District One race heats up · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2endorsementU.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Gallagher for CA-1 reelection
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Gallagher, citing his support for innovation, economic growth, and business and worker opportunity.
U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. James Gallagher for California's First ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 17debateGallagher announces acceptance of three debate invitations; accuses McGuire of dodging voters
Gallagher publicly accepted invitations for an Oct. 6 Ukiah forum, an Oct. 7 Plumas County League of Women Voters event, and a recorded KCRA debate, while noting McGuire had not yet confirmed participation.
Gallagher accepts three debate invitations — McGuire still dodging voters - Lassen News · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 27filingCalifornia certifies Gallagher as a candidate with ballot designation 'United States Representative/Farmer'
California's certified candidate list included Gallagher alongside McGuire for the November general election.
James Gallagher (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-01 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 10newsGallagher sworn into Congress
Gallagher was sworn into Congress on June 10, as referenced in accounts of his remarks at the October 6 forum.
McGuire and Gallagher clash as 1st Congressional District rivals debate taxes, Trump, Iran war · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 2newsGallagher wins special election to complete late Rep. Doug LaMalfa's term
Gallagher won a special election held under the earlier district boundaries, receiving approximately 62% of the vote, to serve the remainder of Rep. Doug LaMalfa's term.
Your guide to California's 1st Congressional District race · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 2newsGallagher finishes first in CA-1 top-two primary with 42.1% of the vote
Gallagher received 92,975 votes (42.1%) in the district's top-two primary, finishing ahead of Democrat Mike McGuire (92,121 votes, 41.8%). Both advanced to the November general election.
James Gallagher (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-01 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Heath Flora officialCalifornia Assembly Republican Leader; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Brian Jones officialCalifornia State Senate Republican Leader; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Tony Strickland officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Ken Calvert officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Doug Ose officialFormer member of Congress; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Kelly Seyarto officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Darrell Issa officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Megan Dahle officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Suzette Valladares officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Young Kim officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Jim Nielsen officialRetired California State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Jill LaMalfa officialListed on campaign endorsement roster; a February 2026 campaign announcement also notes LaMalfa family support. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Shannon Grove officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- California Farm Bureau organizationEndorsed Gallagher per campaign announcement. No specific date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Kevin Kiley officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Brian Dahle officialFormer California State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Vince Fong officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Tom McClintock officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- California Republican Party organizationEndorsed Gallagher per campaign announcement page. No specific date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Jay Obernolte officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Steven Choi officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Wally Herger officialFormer member of Congress; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- Roger Niello officialCalifornia State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- David Valadao officialListed on campaign endorsement roster. No date stated. electjamesgallagher.com
- President Donald Trump officialTrump personally called Gallagher to announce his endorsement, per a February 2026 campaign announcement. No specific day stated. electjamesgallagher.com · Feb 1, 2026
- Majority Whip Tom Emmer officialEndorsed Gallagher in a joint statement with Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise in February 2026. No specific day stated. electjamesgallagher.com · Feb 1, 2026
- Majority Leader Steve Scalise officialEndorsed Gallagher in a joint statement with Speaker Johnson and Majority Whip Emmer in February 2026. No specific day stated. electjamesgallagher.com · Feb 1, 2026
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC organizationPAC chairman Jon Coupal announced the endorsement in February 2026, citing Gallagher's support for Proposition 13. No specific day stated. electjamesgallagher.com · Feb 1, 2026
- House Speaker Mike Johnson officialEndorsed Gallagher in a joint statement with Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer in February 2026. No specific day stated. electjamesgallagher.com · Feb 1, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $1.49M
- Spent
- $1.16M
- Cash on hand
- $333K
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6CA01285(opens in a new tab)
Sources 19
- [1] February 2026 - James Gallagher(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] James Gallagher (R) – CA-01 House 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [3] Can wine import reforms rescue California grape growers?(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [4] Major Endorsement: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [5] McGuire and Gallagher clash as 1st Congressional District rivals debate taxes, Trump, Iran war(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [6] Issues(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [7] James Gallagher — official campaign website(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [8] Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [9] Your guide to California's 1st Congressional District race(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [10] U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. James Gallagher for California's First ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [11] Congressional District One race heats up(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [12] James Gallagher (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-01 | 2026 profile(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [13] Gallagher accepts three debate invitations — McGuire still dodging voters - Lassen News(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
- [14] Voters should choose representatives, not the other way around(opens in a new tab) Sep 4, 2026
- [15] California Republican Party Endorses Gallagher for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jun 18, 2026
- [16] James Gallagher for Congress Announces Endorsement ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 18, 2026
- [17] CN&R interview with Assemblyman James Gallagher(opens in a new tab) May 11, 2026
- [18] Interview: Gallagher targets rising cost of living in 1st ...(opens in a new tab) May 5, 2026
- [19] Calif. amendment sparks debate about the concept of fetal ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 24, 2022