Elections in Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County don't usually feature an open seat of this magnitude. When long-serving incumbent Julia Brownley stepped down, it blew the race for California's 26th Congressional District wide open. Now, voters are staring down a clear choice between Democratic State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and Republican candidate Samuel Gallucci.
If you're trying to figure out who deserves your vote on November 3, 2026, you're not alone. This contest brings together years of legislative track record on one side and a background in executive leadership and nonprofit management on the other. Let's break down where these candidates stand and what's actually at stake in District 26.
The Context Behind the Open Seat
For years, District 26 was defined by Julia Brownley's tenure in Washington. Her retirement changed the political calculation overnight. Suddenly, local and state politicians saw a rare path to federal office, triggering a crowded primary field back in June.
Jacqui Irwin emerged from that primary with the top spot, banking on her deep roots in local and state politics. Samuel Gallucci secured the second general election spot, running on a platform emphasizing economic restraint and business experience. Because California uses a top-two primary system, voters are left with a traditional partisan showdown, even though the district leans moderately Democratic.
Jacqui Irwin Brings Statehouse Experience to Washington
Jacqui Irwin isn't a newcomer to Ventura County politics. She spent years serving in the California State Assembly, representing districts that overlap significantly with the current 26th Congressional boundaries. Before that, she served as the mayor of Thousand Oaks.
Her campaign leans heavily on that accumulated governance experience. Irwin argues that voters want someone who knows how the legislative machine works from day one. Her supporters point to her work on consumer protection, technology regulation, and local infrastructure funding during her time in Sacramento.
If you favor a candidate with an extensive voting record and established relationships within the party establishment, Irwin’s resume speaks directly to that preference. She has raised significantly more campaign cash—pulling in over $800,000 according to mid-year Federal Election Commission filings—giving her a distinct structural advantage in voter contact and advertising reach as the general election winds down.
Samuel Gallucci Pushes Business and Nonprofit Solutions
Samuel Gallucci takes a very different path to the ballot. Rather than climbing through elected municipal and state offices, Gallucci approaches the race from a background in corporate leadership and nonprofit community work.
Gallucci's pitch centers on fiscal conservatism, economic growth, and challenging federal spending habits. He argues that traditional career politicians have lost touch with the everyday financial pressures facing families in Ventura County, from cost-of-living spikes to inflation. His campaign highlights the need for private-sector solutions and tighter fiscal oversight in Washington.
While Gallucci trails in overall fundraising compared to Irwin, collecting roughly $377,000 by mid-year, he has managed to consolidate conservative support across the district following a fragmented primary where several other Republicans split the vote.
Key Issues Shaping the District 26 Contest
Voters across District 26 care about a mix of local economic realities and broader national debates.
- Cost of Living and Economy: Both candidates talk extensively about inflation, but they offer contrasting remedies. Irwin focuses on targeted state-level investments and consumer protections, while Gallucci leans into cutting regulations and government spending.
- Housing and Infrastructure: Ventura County faces chronic housing affordability pressures. Irwin’s legislative background includes votes on housing initiatives, whereas Gallucci approaches the market from a private enterprise perspective, arguing that bureaucratic red tape is the primary barrier to building.
- Water and Environment: As a coastal and agricultural region, water rights and environmental management remain perennial flashpoints. Local voters expect clear answers on how federal policy will impact local farming operations and water security.
What to Expect on Election Day
District 26 leans safely blue on paper, but local races often depend heavily on turnout dynamics rather than just party registration numbers. Irwin has the institutional backing and a massive financial lead. Gallucci relies on energizing voters who want a dramatic shift in direction and a fresh face representing them in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Make sure your ballot is cast by November 3, 2026. Check your voter registration status with the Ventura County Elections Division, review your sample ballot, and weigh whether you want a continuation of experienced state-level governance or a pivot toward business-oriented disruption.
