Tony
Rodriguez
Republican challenging incumbent Caroline Menjivar for California State Senate District 20 in the November 2026 general election
- sources
- 9
- positions
- 11
- endorsements
- 3
Background
Tony Rodriguez is a Republican candidate for California State Senate District 20 in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Caroline Menjivar. He resides in Tujunga and lists his occupation as "Construction Recruiting and Operations" in his October 2026 candidate questionnaire, though an earlier questionnaire described him as a "Regional Recruiting Manager." 216
Rodriguez's background includes approximately 26 years of U.S. Army service, retiring in 2005, after which he worked as a construction manager. His campaign describes him as a community advocate who organized small-business roundtables and helped secure funding for safer school crossings and cleaner parks. He has also served on a Neighborhood Council, though the campaign does not specify dates or the nature of that service. 119
Rodriguez previously ran for California State Assembly District 44 in the 2024 general election but was unsuccessful. His October 2026 questionnaire states he has held no other political positions. 221
In the 2026 primary, Rodriguez advanced to the general election to face incumbent Senator Caroline Menjivar. 34
At a glance
- Party
- Republican
- Running for
- State Senate · District 20, California
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- tony4senate.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11endorsementKnock LA progressive voter guide endorses Menjivar and criticizes Rodriguez's campaign positions
Knock LA's progressive voter guide endorsed Menjivar for Senate District 20 and criticized Rodriguez's policy stances. This reflects the outlet's editorial assessment, not a neutral finding or a statement by Rodriguez.
The Knock LA Progressive Voter Guide for the November ... · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsIVN commentary identifies Rodriguez as Menjivar's November opponent; characterizes her as strong favorite
An Independent Voter News article noted Menjivar led the June primary with 62.1% and listed Rodriguez as her November general election opponent. The article characterized several races across the state; it is commentary, not a poll of District 20.
15 Races Where Democratic Socialists Can Reshape California Politics · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5newsRodriguez outlines policy positions in Daily News election questionnaire
In a Southern California News Group questionnaire published by the Daily News, Rodriguez proposed reducing gasoline taxes and fees, cutting regulations he says raise refining costs, speeding housing approvals, auditing homelessness programs, halting further state funding for high-speed rail as currently structured, keeping refineries operating safely, and supporting the Trump administration's expansion of offshore oil drilling with environmental protections. These are his stated positions, not independently assessed policy effects.
Tony Rodriguez, Senate District 20 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsLAist voter guide notes Rodriguez has no ballot designation and endorsements not listed on his website
LAist's California State Senate voter guide, updated through October 9, listed Rodriguez's campaign website and noted he carried no ballot designation. Endorsements were not available on his website at the time of publication, though this does not establish he had none.
California State Senate: Who's running in the Nov. 3 general election and why it matters · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 26filingRodriguez's campaign reported to have raised $6,600, described as primarily self-funded
The Progressive Voters Guide reported Rodriguez's campaign had raised $6,600 and was primarily self-funded. The guide did not specify the reporting period or provide a detailed finance filing citation; the figure should be treated as a reported estimate.
Los Angeles County - Progressive Voters Guide · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 2newsRodriguez advances to November general election after June primary, receiving 28% of vote
In the California State Senate District 20 primary, incumbent Democrat Caroline Menjivar received approximately 62%, Rodriguez (Republican, Tujunga) received approximately 28%, and Democrat Roberto David LaCarra received approximately 10%. Rodriguez and Menjivar advanced to the November 3 general election.
Los Angeles County - Progressive Voters Guide · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- California Republican Party (CAGOP) organizationListed under 2026 State Senate endorsements for SD 20; page updated October 7, 2026. No specific endorsement date provided. cagop.org
- Los Angeles County Republican Party (LAGOP) organization2026 voter guide labels Rodriguez as 'ENDORSED' by CAGOP/LAGOP for SD 20. No specific endorsement date provided. static1.squarespace.com
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Political Action Committee (HJTA-PAC) organizationListed in HJTA-PAC 2026 endorsements for Senate District 20. Date reflects the HJTA voting guide publication date; no separate endorsement date provided. hjta.org · Oct 6, 2026
Sources 9
- [1] The Knock LA Progressive Voter Guide for the November ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] 15 Races Where Democratic Socialists Can Reshape California Politics(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [3] Tony Rodriguez, Senate District 20 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [4] Tony Rodriguez for State Senate(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [5] HJTA-PAC Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [6] California State Senate: Who's running in the Nov. 3 general election and why it matters(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [7] Los Angeles County - Progressive Voters Guide(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [8] 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION(opens in a new tab) Jul 18, 2026
- [9] Endorsements - CAGOP(opens in a new tab) Apr 29, 2026