--- title: "Scotter vs. Fong: 2026 California’s 20th District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ca-20" updated: "2026-08-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 California’s 20th District race: Sandra Van Scotter (D) vs. Vince Fong (R) Rating: Safe R · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 1, 2026 The 2026 election for California's 20th Congressional District features incumbent Republican Vince Fong against Democratic challenger Sandra Van Scotter in a district altered by mid-decade redistricting following California Proposition 50 in November 2025. Fong placed first in the June 2, 2026 top-two primary with 69.6% of the vote, while Van Scotter advanced in second place with 27.6%. The race hinges on constituent representation, water and agricultural policy, healthcare reform, border security, and regional energy production. ## Candidates - **Sandra Van Scotter** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) - **Vince Fong** (Republican, incumbent) · [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Vince_Fong) ## Issues ### Healthcare Salience: high Van Scotter advocates for a government-funded single-payer Medicare for All system, while Fong voted for federal budget reconciliation under H.R. 1. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports Medicare for All single-payer system Van Scotter views basic healthcare as a human right and advocates for a single-payer Medicare for All system to replace commercial health insurance. She opposes federal healthcare cuts under H.R. 1 and supports a constitutional amendment guaranteeing Medicare as a right. - Supports S 1560 to transition the nation to a single-payer Medicare for All system over four years - Advocates amending the U.S. Constitution to make Medicare a guaranteed human right - Opposes healthcare and Medi-Cal funding cuts included in H.R. 1 > “Unrestricted access to basic Health Care is a Human Right.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) > “Medicare For All as described in S 1560, introduced in April 2025, will give us a smooth transition out of the current layers of Commercial and government provided plans into a Single Payer option that all populations will benefit from, over 4 years of time.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) **Vince Fong:** Supports budget reconciliation healthcare changes Fong supported federal budget reconciliation legislation that adjusted federal spending and tax policies. He voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the 119th Congress. - Voted Yea on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reconciliation legislation in 2025 ### Water and Agriculture Salience: high Fong advocates modernizing water storage and stopping water diversions out to sea, whereas Van Scotter focuses on intergovernmental collaboration for sustainable water management. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports sustainable water and agricultural collaboration Van Scotter emphasizes federal, state, and local collaboration to address water concerns and support the agricultural economy. She advocates for sustainable water policies that protect farmers and Central Valley communities. - Promises to collaborate across government levels to support agriculture and resolve water crises - Advocates for sustainable water policy that serves farmers and local residents without backroom political compromises > “There are many layers to how the Federal Government and the States work together to support agriculture, resolve water concerns and improve our nationwide housing crisis and affordability concerns.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) > “Sandra will fight for sustainable, fair water policy that serves farmers, residents, future generations.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports modernizing water storage and infrastructure Fong views water as essential to the Central Valley's agricultural economy and supports science-based water policies. He advocates modernizing water storage, improving conveyance, and halting policies that divert water away from local communities. - Calls for modernizing water storage and improving water conveyance infrastructure - Opposes environmental policies that send local water supplies out to sea - Promotes agricultural policies based on science rather than political considerations > “Water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley and the backbone of our agricultural economy.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “We must modernize storage, improve water conveyance, and stop policies that send water out to sea while our communities suffer.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ### Immigration and Border Security Salience: high Fong prioritizes strict border enforcement and deportation measures for illegal border crossers, while Van Scotter advocates for a legal pathway to status for undocumented agricultural workers. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports comprehensive reform and legal pathway Van Scotter supports immigration reform that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented workers while maintaining human dignity. She emphasizes that the Central Valley's agricultural economy relies heavily on immigrant labor. - Supports a pathway to legal status for undocumented workers who have established lives in the U.S. - Advocates balancing border security with human dignity without using fear-based rhetoric - Recognizes immigrant labor as essential to the region's agricultural economy > “CA-20's agricultural economy depends on immigrant labor.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) > “She supports a pathway to legal status for undocumented workers who have built their lives and livelihoods here, similar to the amnesty passed under the Reagan administration.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports strict border security enforcement Fong views border security as essential to national sovereignty and public safety. He supports enforcing existing laws, stopping illegal border crossings, and passing federal legislation to detain and deport noncitizens arrested for crimes or driving under the influence. - Voted Yea on the Laken Riley Act (S.5) requiring detention of noncitizens arrested for theft crimes - Voted Yea on the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act (H.R. 875) making DUI grounds for deportation - Supports enforcing existing immigration laws and halting illegal border crossings > “A secure border is fundamental to national sovereignty and public safety.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “We need an immigration system that is orderly, lawful, and fair—but that begins with enforcing existing laws and stopping the flow of illegal crossings.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ### Veterans and Defense Policy Salience: medium Fong emphasizes federal defense spending and aerospace infrastructure, while Van Scotter focuses on constituent casework and streamlining veterans' disability benefit claims. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports streamlining veterans benefits and outreach Van Scotter advocates for streamlining access to Veterans Disability Benefits and ending administrative barriers to care. She highlights the strategic importance of China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and pledges targeted constituent services for military families. - Pledges to streamline access to Veterans Disability Benefits on a national level - Promises dedicated Town Halls and direct casework assistance for veterans and military families - Highlights China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station as a key strategic asset in the district > “Streamlining access to Veterans Disability Benefits and Social Security Disability Benefits and improving Developmental Disability benefits on a National Level.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) > “Sandra will hold Town Halls specifically for veterans and military families.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports defense spending and aerospace growth Fong supports investing in aerospace innovation and national defense to maintain military readiness and support local jobs. He voted in favor of defense authorization legislation to expand military resources and quality-of-life programs. - Voted Yea on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (H.R. 8070) - Supports military installations and aerospace industries as vital to national security and local employment - Advocates providing armed forces with advanced technology and tools to deter global threats > “Investing in aerospace leadership strengthens America’s position in the world and supports high-skilled jobs at home.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “Our military installations play a vital role in advancing innovation, testing, and military readiness.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ### Energy Policy Salience: medium Fong calls for unleashing domestic oil and natural resource production, while Van Scotter frames energy policy around broader regional investment and sustainability. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports balanced Central Valley energy investment Van Scotter considers energy investment as vital to the Central Valley economy along with water policy. She supports sustainable resource development that serves local residents and agriculture. - Identifies energy investment as a key economic driver for Central Valley communities > “Water policy, drought management, and energy investment are not abstract concerns here — they are the economic lifeblood of our communities.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports domestic energy production and independence Fong advocates for unleashing domestic energy production to lower energy costs and achieve national energy independence. He supports utilizing abundant local natural resources to create jobs while maintaining environmental safeguards. - Promotes responsible domestic oil, gas, and energy production to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries - Connects energy independence to lower living costs for families and small businesses > “We are blessed with abundant natural resources, and we must unleash responsible domestic energy production to lower costs for families and small businesses.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “Energy independence strengthens our national security, creates good-paying jobs, and ensures California and the nation remain competitive.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ### Disability Rights and Social Safety Net Salience: medium Van Scotter focuses on reforming disability benefit claims and expanding developmental services, whereas Fong's documented record consists of voting for the Social Security Fairness Act. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports expanding disability benefits and advocacy Van Scotter draws on her personal experience as a parent and advisor to Kern Regional Center to advocate for expanding developmental and disability benefits. She criticizes federal spending spent on denying legitimate benefit claims. - Advocates improving national developmental disability benefits and reforming claims procedures - Serves on the Self-Determination Program Local Advisory Committee for Kern Regional Center - Opposes federal spending directed toward denying Social Security and veterans disability claims > “Right now, BILLIONS of TAXPAYER dollars PER YEAR are being spent SPECIFICALLY to DENY benefits to people who absolutely need them and deserve them.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) > “Every person deserves dignity, access, and a seat at the table.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports Social Security benefit adjustments Fong voted for bipartisan legislation modifying Social Security benefit offsets for public pension recipients. He backed the Social Security Fairness Act in the 118th Congress. - Voted Yea on the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82) to eliminate government pension offsets ### Government Representation and Constituent Outreach Salience: medium Van Scotter campaigns on holding frequent town halls and accessible constituent services, while Fong emphasizes his legislative tenure and local roots in the Central Valley. **Sandra Van Scotter:** Supports frequent town halls and constituent responsiveness Van Scotter makes constituent access the centerpiece of her platform, promising regular town halls and personal correspondence. She criticizes incumbent leadership for missing constituent meetings and lacking basic support links on official portals. - Promises regular in-person Town Halls across all parts of the district - Pledges direct responsiveness to constituent correspondence and phone calls - Criticizes incumbent management of district constituent service portals > “I promise to bring true Representation to you from Congress by including you in everything about the process of what you voted me in to do!” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sandra_Van_Scotter) > “You shouldn't have to wonder if your Congressperson knows you exist.” > — Sandra Van Scotter, via [Campaign site](https://www.sandra4cd20.com/) **Vince Fong:** Supports traditional representative service and values Fong emphasizes his long history of public service in the Central Valley, former legislative leadership in the State Assembly, and commitment to traditional values. - Highlights career as district director for Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Assembly member before entering Congress - Emphasizes core values of faith, family, and patriotism in public service > “When I was elected, I promised never to lose sight of our shared values— faith, family, and patriotism.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “A willingness to listen and the skills to lead have underscored Vince Fong’s lifetime commitment to California.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ### Second Amendment Rights Salience: medium **Sandra Van Scotter:** No documented position in our sources **Vince Fong:** Opposes new gun control restrictions Fong views the Second Amendment as a fundamental constitutional right and opposes new gun control restrictions on law-abiding citizens. He advocates for enforcing current laws and penalizing violent criminals. - Opposes new restrictions on law-abiding gun owners - Advocates strictly enforcing existing firearm laws and targeting violent offenders > “The Second Amendment is a constitutional right that safeguards the freedoms of law-abiding Americans.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) > “We must focus on enforcing existing laws and holding violent offenders accountable, rather than restricting the rights of citizens who follow the law.” > — Vince Fong, via [Campaign site](https://vincefong.com) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/ca-20-house-election-winner) — CA-20 House Election Winner: Republicans 97.2%, Democrats 3.3% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-CA20-26) — CA-20 House winner?: Vince Fong 96.0%, Sandra Van Scotter 2.8% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ca-20)