Ricardo
Cabrera

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Cabrera's policy positions: he wants the Iran war to end and the Strait of Hormuz reopened, saying 'If that means dropping bombs, putting warheads on foreheads, then I'm for it.' He supports U.S. arms sales to Israel and rejected characterizing events in Gaza as genocide, saying he had not read the 2025 U.N. report using that label. On housing, he favors multigenerational living and community rather than government assistance.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that as of October 11, Cabrera had still not filed required disclosures with the Federal Election Commission, which mandates filings when a candidate raises or spends more than $5,000.

KPBS listed Cabrera's top priorities as lowering the cost of living, congressional term limits, and stronger ethics standards. He described his effort as grassroots, attending local events and talking to volunteers.

KPBS listed endorsements for Cabrera from the Republican Party of San Diego County, the California Republican Party, and Reform California as part of its 2026 general election candidate explainer, updated through early October.

KPBS reported Cabrera had no campaign money on file with the FEC as of September 25. His campaign website directed donations to Reform California or the county Republican Party rather than a campaign committee. Jacobs had raised over $1.6 million by contrast.

A candidate-record compilation reported finding no public polls of CA-51 as of September 25, 2026. The absence of public polling does not rule out private polling.

California's certified candidate list placed Cabrera, designated 'Business Owner,' on the November 3 general election ballot against incumbent Sara Jacobs.

In the top-two primary, Ricardo Cabrera received 71,692 votes (37.0%), finishing behind Democratic incumbent Sara Jacobs (57.7%). Both advanced to the November general election under California's top-two system.