Mike
Cargile
Republican challenger for California's 35th Congressional District in the 2026 general election
- sources
- 11
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 12
Background
Mike Cargile is a Republican candidate challenging for California's 35th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. The FEC classifies him as a challenger, meaning he does not currently hold the seat. 1
Cargile's campaign biography describes a varied professional background including work as a writer, actor, director, producer, editor, and marketing director, as well as involvement in an independent music label and private-label manufacturing for Power Rangers food products. He also served briefly as a U.S. Army Quartermaster officer before relocating to California in 1991. 2 A voter-guide profile lists him as president of Big Event Pictures and notes he earned a bachelor's degree in business from Columbus State University in 1987. 4
Beyond his professional career, Cargile's campaign biography highlights community involvement including roles as a coach, crossing guard, booster club president, and church deacon, and notes that he raised his children in Southern California. 210
At a glance
- Party
- Republican
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 35, California
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- cargileforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Date unknownfilingFEC report shows Cargile raised $4,979 through June 30, with $2,873 cash on hand
The July quarterly FEC report for Cargile's committee covered activity through June 30, showing $4,979 raised, $2,536 spent, $2,873 cash on hand, and $12,960 in debts. No PAC contributions or self-funding were listed.
Mike Cargile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsNational roundup reports Cargile supports nationwide marijuana legalization regulated like alcohol
The Marijuana Herald reported Cargile supports nationwide legalization of marijuana with regulation similar to alcohol, noting this represented a change from an earlier position characterizing marijuana as a 'gateway drug.' No dated primary campaign statement confirming when he announced this position was available.
Election 2026: Where Candidates in All 435 U.S. House ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5newsCargile publishes candidate questionnaire outlining positions on election integrity, immigration, and foreign policy
In a questionnaire published by the Press-Enterprise, Cargile identified election integrity as the district's most urgent issue, called for stronger election safeguards and audits, said immigration should occur only through ports of entry, and opposed continued U.S. involvement in Ukraine or Iran.
Mike Cargile, CA-35 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 27filingMike Cargile certified for California's November 3 general election ballot in CA-35
California's certified candidate list included Cargile and Democratic incumbent Norma Torres for U.S. House District 35, with the general election scheduled for November 3.
Mike Cargile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association organizationListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- San Bernardino GOP officialListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no endorsement date shown. ivoterguide.com
- California ProLife Council PAC organizationListed by iVoterGuide; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- Every Black Life Matters organizationListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) organizationListed by iVoterGuide; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- Republican National Hispanic Assembly of California organizationListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- Republican Party of Los Angeles County (LAGOP) officialListed by iVoterGuide under 'Other'; no endorsement date shown. ivoterguide.com
- National Right to Life organizationListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- Los Angeles GOP officialListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no endorsement date shown. ivoterguide.com
- LEXIT organizationListed by iVoterGuide as reported by candidate; no date shown. ivoterguide.com
- California Republican Party officialListed on CAGOP endorsements page (CD 35: Mike Cargile); page last retrieved October 7, 2026 but no specific endorsement announcement date given. cagop.org
- California Republican Assembly (CRA) organizationListed in CRA's March 21, 2026 primary-endorsements announcement for District 35; also listed on CRA general-election page without a date. cragop.org · Mar 21, 2026
Past elections
General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.
| Year | Seat | Result | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | U.S. House CA-35 · R | Lost | 55,832 | 42.6% |
| 2020 | U.S. House CA-35 · R | Lost | 74,941 | 30.7% |
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
- $4,759
- Spent
- $2,357
- Cash on hand
- $2,873
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H0CA35146(opens in a new tab)
Sources 11
- [1] Voter Guide Profile for CA U.S. Rep., Dist. 35 candidate - Mike Cargile(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [2] Election 2026: Where Candidates in All 435 U.S. House ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Mike Cargile, CA-35 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [4] Mike Cargile(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [5] Issues — Cargile for Congress(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [6] The Economy(opens in a new tab) Jun 2, 2026
- [7] Life — Cargile for Congress(opens in a new tab) May 30, 2026
- [8] Mike Cargile - Candidate Profile(opens in a new tab) May 27, 2026
- [9] Mike Cargile, CA-35 candidate, 2026 primary election ...(opens in a new tab) May 5, 2026
- [10] CAGOP Endorsements - California Republican Party(opens in a new tab) Apr 29, 2026
- [11] California Republican Assembly June 2026 Primary Election ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 21, 2026