Skip to content
elect.link
Latest
Allupdates
D Democratic · Incumbent · U.S. House 21, California · Nov 3, 2026

Jim
Costa

Jim Costa is a Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative for California's 21st Congressional District, serving since 2005.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
24
positions
12
endorsements
42
jimcosta.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Kyle Kirkland R Compare race →

Background

Jim Costa is a Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 21st Congressional District, having represented the San Joaquin Valley in Congress since 2005. 213 A native of Fresno County, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, Fresno, and began his political career as an intern and aide to congressional offices before serving in the California State Assembly (1978–1994) and the California State Senate (1994–2002). 24

Before and during his political career, Costa has maintained ties to agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley, having grown up on his family's dairy and farming almonds in the region. 24 He is a senior member of the House and sits on committees relevant to agriculture and foreign affairs, reflecting the priorities of his Central Valley constituents. 512

Costa is running as the incumbent Democratic candidate in California's 21st Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. 16

At a glance

Party
Democratic · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. House · District 21, California
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Representative, California's 21st Congressional District
Website
jimcosta.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 Jim Costa voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24) and 119th Congress (2025–26), Jan 3, 2023 to Sep 16, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.

roll call votes
1,909
missed
5.6%
with their party’s majority
92%

Recent key votes

  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · S2403 · Economy & jobs
    Retire through Ownership Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9497 · Climate & energy
    Water Resources Development Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9340 · Climate & energy
    Ratepayer Protection Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HJRES213 · Climate & energy
    Providing 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 · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR10326 · Crime & public safety
    PROOF Act
    On Passage · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9576 · Crime & public safety
    National Fraud Enforcement Division Act
    On Passage · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Sep 15, 2026 · House · HJRES210 · Climate & energy
    Providing 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 · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Sep 15, 2026 · House · HR9500 · Taxes & budget
    Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · Passed
    Official 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 1,909 votes →

Timeline

  1. Oct 9
    news
    Costa criticizes inadequate oversight and answers from officials over Central Valley ICE enforcement

    ABC30 reported Costa's criticism that officials had provided inadequate oversight and answers about ICE enforcement activity spreading across the Central Valley, as valley leaders clashed over the issue.

    Valley leaders clash as reports of ICE activity grow across the Valley · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 6
    news
    Costa responds to growing ICE activity in Central Valley, says office gathering information

    Amid reports of increased ICE activity in the Central Valley, Costa said his office was gathering information and working with local and federal officials and advocates to address community concerns.

    Families seek answers as ICE activity spreads across Central ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Sep 30
    news
    Costa joins three congressional caucuses focused on antisemitism, U.S.-Japan, and Denmark relations

    Costa announced he joined three new congressional caucuses focused on campus antisemitism, U.S.-Japan relations, and Denmark relations.

    Costa Joins Three Congressional Caucuses Focused on ... · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Sep 26
    poll
    Analysis notes no public 2026 polls published for CA-21 Costa vs. Kirkland race

    A September 26 campaign-planning analysis noted that no 2026 polls of CA-21 had been published; the analysis relied on a model rather than an actual poll to assess the race.

    How Kyle Kirkland Can Win CA-21 in 2026 · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Sep 24
    news
    Costa applauds $35 million federal award for South Valley water infrastructure projects

    Costa publicized a $35 million federal award for two South Valley water projects: $25 million for the Kern Fan Groundwater Recharge Project and approximately $9.28 million for Tulare Irrigation District's Seaborn Reservoir.

    Costa Applauds $35 Million for South Valley Water Infrastructure Projects · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Sep 24
    news
    Costa leads bipartisan push to protect U.S. produce growers in USMCA trade process with Mexico

    Costa joined a bipartisan group urging the administration to seek stronger payment protections for U.S. produce growers and shippers in the USMCA process with Mexico, comparable to existing U.S. law protections for perishable agricultural commodities.

    Costa Leads Bipartisan Push to Protect American Produce Growers in U.S.-Mexico Trade · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Sep 18
    news
    Costa criticizes Trump administration's decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House

    Costa issued a statement criticizing the Trump administration's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, saying press freedom 'must be protected.'

    Costa Statement on Trump's Decision to Ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 15
    news
    Costa joins bipartisan push urging Interior Dept. to abandon proposed Yosemite land transfer

    Costa joined fellow lawmakers in urging the Interior Department to stop a proposed land transfer within Yosemite National Park.

    Costa, Huffman, Padilla, Schiff Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Aug 27
    filing
    California certifies Costa and Kirkland as general election candidates for CA-21

    California's certified candidate list for the November 3 general election included Jim Costa and Republican Kyle Kirkland, officially setting up the two-candidate general election contest.

    Kyle Kirkland (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-21 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Jul 15
    filing
    Costa Q2 FEC filing reports $170,100 raised; $938,778.50 cash on hand through June 30

    Costa's campaign Q2 FEC filing reported $170,100 raised in the second quarter, with total receipts of $1,338,630.34 and $938,778.50 cash on hand for the period January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

    Jim Costa: campaign funding and donors | Money Behind the Ballot · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Jun 2
    filing
    Costa leads CA-21 primary with 43,461 votes; Kirkland finishes second with 27,076

    California's June 2 primary results showed Jim Costa leading the district field with 43,461 votes, with Republican Kyle Kirkland finishing second with 27,076 votes, setting up a two-candidate general election contest.

    Kyle Kirkland (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-21 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • National Association of Social Workers organization
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Kuldip Thusu official
    Dinuba City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Laura North official
    Kingsburg City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • NewDems Action Fund organization
    Political organization; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Eleni Kounalakis official
    California Lieutenant Governor; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Newtown Action Alliance organization
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Rob Bonta official
    California Attorney General; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Nelson Esparza official
    Fresno City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Esmeralda Hurtado official
    Sanger City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • AFSCME California union
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Fiona Ma official
    California State Treasurer; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Mike Karbassi official
    Fresno City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Liz Wynn official
    Visalia City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • California Teachers Association union
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • National Education Association (NEA) union
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Brian Pacheco official
    Fresno County Supervisor; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Juan Mejia official
    Fowler City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Jose Martinez official
    Woodlake City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • California Professional Firefighters union
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Luis Chavez official
    Fresno County Supervisor; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Daniel Parra official
    Fowler City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Blue Dog Coalition organization
    Political organization; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • National Union of Healthcare Workers union
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Fresno Chamber of Commerce organization
    Reported as endorsing Costa in a Fresno Chamber news item published August 2026; exact date not specified fresnochamber.com
  • Alex Padilla official
    U.S. Senator; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Eddie Valero official
    Tulare County Supervisor; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Danny Valdovinos official
    Farmersville Mayor Pro Tem; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • BOLD PAC organization
    Political organization; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) organization
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • California Farm Bureau organization
    Reported as endorsing Costa in a Fresno Chamber news item published August 2026; exact date not specified fresnochamber.com
  • Adam Schiff official
    U.S. Senator; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Alma Beltra official
    Mayor of Parlier; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Paul Boyer official
    Farmersville City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Equality PAC organization
    Political organization; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Alliance for Retired Americans organization
    Listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Equality California organization
    Listed on Equality California 2026 primary endorsements page for Congressional District 21; specific announcement date not provided eqca.org
  • Gavin Newsom official
    California Governor; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Anita Betancourt official
    Mayor of Reedley; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • Gregorio Gomez official
    Farmersville City Councilmember; listed on Costa campaign endorsements page jimcosta.com
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce organization
    Announced endorsement on August 19, 2026; also listed on Costa campaign endorsements page uschamber.com · Aug 19, 2026
  • California Federation of Labor Unions (AFL-CIO) union
    Listed in COPE pre-general-election endorsement recommendations document dated August 4, 2026, and on Costa campaign endorsements page calaborfed.org · Aug 4, 2026

Past elections

General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.

YearSeatResultVotesShare
2022U.S. House CA-21 · DWon68,07454.2%
2020U.S. House CA-16 · DWon128,69059.4%
2018U.S. House CA-16 · DWon82,26657.5%
2016U.S. House CA-16 · DWon97,47358.0%

Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$1.34M
Spent
$609K
Cash on hand
$939K

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H4CA20082(opens in a new tab)

Sources 24

  1. [1] Valley leaders clash as reports of ICE activity grow across the Valley(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  2. [2] Families seek answers as ICE activity spreads across Central ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  3. [3] Jim Costa: campaign funding and donors | Money Behind the Ballot(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  4. [4] Jim Costa — official campaign website(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  5. [5] Costa Joins Three Congressional Caucuses Focused on ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  6. [6] How Kyle Kirkland Can Win CA-21 in 2026(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
  7. [7] Costa Applauds $35 Million for South Valley Water Infrastructure Projects(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  8. [8] Costa Leads Bipartisan Push to Protect American Produce Growers in U.S.-Mexico Trade(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  9. [9] Kyle Kirkland (R) — U.S. Representative, CA-21 | 2026 profile(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  10. [10] Costa Statement on Trump's Decision to Ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
  11. [11] Costa, Huffman, Padilla, Schiff Lead Bipartisan Congressional Push ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
  12. [12] U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Jim Costa for California's Twenty-First ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 19, 2026
  13. [13] U.S., Fresno Chambers, California Farm Bureau, endorse ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 18, 2026
  14. [14] California Federation of Labor Unions(opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
  15. [15] Equality California 2026 Primary Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Jul 7, 2026
  16. [16] 2026 Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Jun 22, 2026
  17. [17] COSTA STATEMENT ON REPORTS OF U.S. MILITARY ACTION IN ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 3, 2026
  18. [18] Rep. Jim Costa votes against GOP Budget Proposal(opens in a new tab) Feb 25, 2025
  19. [19] Costa Statement on House GOP Border Bill(opens in a new tab) May 11, 2023
  20. [20] Economy(opens in a new tab) May 2, 2022
  21. [21] Education | Congressman Jim Costa - House.gov(opens in a new tab) May 2, 2022
  22. [22] Energy & Environment | Congressman Jim Costa - House.gov(opens in a new tab) May 2, 2022
  23. [23] Housing - Congressman Jim Costa |(opens in a new tab) May 2, 2022
  24. [24] Opinion: With iPhone in hand, Rep. Jim Costa takes photos as ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 12, 2021
Are you Jim Costa?
Claim this page to add a statement to voters and correct your details.
Sign in to claim
elect.link

Candidate pages are assembled automatically from public web sources. Every claim links to where it came from. Nonpartisan; no endorsements. Candidates can claim their page to add a statement and corrections.