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D Democratic · Incumbent · U.S. House 8, California · Nov 3, 2026

John
Garamendi

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. John Garamendi seeks re-election in California's 8th Congressional District in November 2026.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
20
positions
12
endorsements
31
garamendi.org ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)YouTube(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Rudy Recile R Compare race →

Background

John Garamendi is a Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 8th Congressional District, a seat he has held since 2023 following redistricting, and is the incumbent seeking re-election in November 2026. 2314 He was raised on his family's ranch in Mokelumne Hill, California, earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966, served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1968, and later received an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1970. 1/)3

Before entering Congress, Garamendi held a series of California state offices: he served in the California State Assembly (1974–1976), the California State Senate (1976–1990), as California Insurance Commissioner (1991–1994 and 2002–2006), and as California Lieutenant Governor (2007–2009). He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009 and has served there since. 1/)3

In the 2026 general election, Garamendi faces Republican challenger Rudy Recile in California's 8th District. 1517 The district's race has been characterized as safely Democratic in regional election coverage. 16

At a glance

Party
Democratic · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. House · District 8, California
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Representative for California's 8th Congressional District
Website
garamendi.org(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Voting record

How John Garamendi 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
12%
with their party’s majority
98%

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)
    Did not vote
  • 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)
    Did not vote
  • 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)
    Did not vote
  • 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)
    Did not vote
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR10326 · Crime & public safety
    PROOF Act
    On Passage · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Did not vote
  • Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9576 · Crime & public safety
    National Fraud Enforcement Division Act
    On Passage · Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Did not vote
  • 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)
    Did not vote
  • 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)
    Did not vote

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
    debate
    Garamendi and Recile meet in KCRA-hosted CA-8 general-election debate

    KCRA hosted a debate between the two general-election candidates. Garamendi questioned California Forever's plans and funding, said he opposed using Travis AFB as an ICE detention facility, promoted the Home Act on housing, and called for an immediate end to the Iran war with Congress constraining the administration's actions. He also opposed local law enforcement assisting federal deportations, offshore drilling off California, and federal requirements for states to share voter information.

    Congressional District 8 debate recap | John Garamendi ... · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 7
    news
    Garamendi joins CA congressional delegation condemning Trump's remarks about LA and San Diego

    Garamendi joined California House members and both senators in a statement condemning remarks by President Donald Trump at a Nebraska rally. The statement was issued by his congressional office.

    garamendi.house.gov · 2026/10/07 · garamendi-joins-californiaGaramendi Joins California Congressional Democrats in Condemning... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 7
    filing
    Mercury News reports Garamendi holds nearly $1.2 million cash on hand vs. $1,541 for Recile

    Federal campaign-finance filings showed Garamendi with nearly $1.2 million cash on hand as of June 30, compared with $1,541 for challenger Rudy Recile, per the Mercury News.

    Election 2026: House control is up for grabs. Bay Area seats look ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Sep 30
    endorsement
    350 Bay Area Action endorses Garamendi for CA-8 in 2026

    350 Bay Area Action listed Garamendi as its 2026 endorsed candidate for District 8. The Vallejo Sun also listed endorsements from the California Democratic Party, state AFL-CIO, California Teachers Association, IUOE Local 3, National Union of Healthcare Workers, California Environmental Voters, California Young Democrats, and Equality California.

    Us Congress D10 - Mark... · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Sep 16
    filing
    Vallejo Sun reports Garamendi raised $489,134.65 by June 30 filing deadline

    The Vallejo Sun reported Garamendi had raised $489,134.65 by June 30, per federal campaign-finance filings.

    Incumbent John Garamendi faces Rudy Recile again in 8th ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Jun 2
    news
    Garamendi and Recile advance from CA-8 primary to general election

    In California's top-two primary, Garamendi received 54.41% and Recile 27.78%, advancing both to the November general election. This marks their third consecutive election contest, following Garamendi victories in 2022 and 2024.

    Here's your 2026 California voter guide for Election Day - KCRA · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Sierra Club organization
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Representative Ro Khanna official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Sacramento Bee newspaper
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • League of Conservation Voters organization
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • 350 Bay Area Action organization
    Listed as a 2026 endorsee on the group's 2026 endorsed climate candidates page. The page was updated October 3, 2026; that is an update date, not necessarily the endorsement date. 350bayareaaction.org
  • Representative Doris Matsui official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • National Nurses United union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • National Organization for Women organization
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Feminist Majority PAC organization
    Listed on its 2026 endorsed-candidates page. The page notes it endorsed congressional candidates early for the 2026 midterms but does not give Garamendi's individual announcement date. feministmajoritypac.org
  • Representative Mike Thompson official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • California Professional Firefighters union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Peace Officers Research Association of California organization
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed among the group's endorsed U.S. House candidates for 2026. The page was updated October 9, 2026; no individual endorsement date is stated. plannedparenthoodaction.org
  • Former President Bill Clinton official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • California Federation of Teachers union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Senator Alex Padilla official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Former President Barack Obama official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • American Federation of Teachers union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Speaker Nancy Pelosi official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Daily Republic newspaper
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Vacaville Reporter newspaper
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • SEIU union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Representative Karen Bass official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Davis Enterprise newspaper
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • United Auto Workers union
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • California Democratic Party organization
    Listed in the party's 2026 general-election endorsement document. An August 2026 version is available but no specific endorsement announcement date is given. cadem.org
  • Representative Jared Huffman official
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • Woodland Daily Democrat newspaper
    Listed on Garamendi's campaign endorsements page. The page does not specify the election cycle or give an announcement date. garamendi.org
  • California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO union
    Listed in the California Federation of Labor Unions 2026 COPE pre-general-election recommendations, issued at its convention in Oakland on August 4, 2026, for U.S. House District 8. calaborfed.org · Aug 4, 2026

Past elections

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

YearSeatResultVotesShare
2022U.S. House CA-08 · DWon145,50175.7%
2020U.S. House CA-03 · DWon176,04354.7%
2018U.S. House CA-03 · DWon134,87558.1%
2016U.S. House CA-03 · DWon152,51359.4%

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
$489K
Spent
$558K
Cash on hand
$1.20M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H0CA10149(opens in a new tab)

Sources 20

  1. [1] Endorsements | John Garamendi(opens in a new tab) Oct 12, 2026
  2. [2] 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  3. [3] Congressional District 8 debate recap | John Garamendi ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  4. [4] 2026 Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorsed Candidates(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  5. [5] Election 2026: House control is up for grabs. Bay Area seats look ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  6. [6] garamendi.house.gov · 2026/10/07 · garamendi-joins-californiaGaramendi Joins California Congressional Democrats in Condemning...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  7. [7] Here's your 2026 California voter guide for Election Day - KCRA(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  8. [8] Us Congress D10 - Mark...(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  9. [9] Incumbent John Garamendi faces Rudy Recile again in 8th ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  10. [10] [PDF] 2026 General Election Endorsements & Ballot Measure Positions(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
  11. [11] California Federation of Labor Unions(opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
  12. [12] Immigration - John Garamendi(opens in a new tab) Jul 15, 2026
  13. [13] Garamendi Housing Bill Passes House of Representatives - John Garamendi(opens in a new tab) Jun 24, 2026
  14. [14] California Primary: Congressional District 8: Garamendi faces 3 ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 23, 2026
  15. [15] Garamendi Joins Khanna, 21 CA Members in Calling for No ICE at the Super Bowl - John Garamendi(opens in a new tab) Feb 5, 2026
  16. [16] Economy and Jobs(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2025
  17. [17] Foreign Policy | Congressman John Garamendi - House.gov(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2025
  18. [18] Women's Equality(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2025
  19. [19] Education | Congressman John Garamendi - House.gov(opens in a new tab) Feb 14, 2023
  20. [20] Healthcare | Congressman John Garamendi - House.gov(opens in a new tab) Feb 14, 2023
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