--- title: "Torres vs. Cargile: 2026 California’s 35th District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ca-35" updated: "2026-08-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 California’s 35th District race: Norma Torres (D) vs. Mike Cargile (R) Rating: Safe D · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 1, 2026 California's 35th Congressional District features a 2026 general election matchup between six-term Democratic incumbent Norma Torres and Republican challenger Mike Cargile, marking their fourth consecutive general election contest following races in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The district's geographic boundaries were altered following the passage of California Proposition 50 in November 2025. The campaign hinges on sharp contrasts over border security, election administration, cost of living, public safety, and cultural issues. ## Candidates - **Norma Torres** (Democrat, incumbent) · [Campaign site](https://www.normatorres.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Norma_Torres) - **Mike Cargile** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ## Issues ### Border Security & Immigration Salience: high Cargile prioritizes completing the southern border wall paired with a one-time expedited citizenship program, whereas Torres opposes border wall construction and votes against mandatory detention and deportation mandates. **Norma Torres:** Opposes harsh enforcement and ICE overreach Torres opposes border wall expansion and strict enforcement legislation, focusing instead on executive oversight and human rights protections for migrants. She has conducted personal oversight visits to federal immigration enforcement activities and voted against measures expanding grounds for border detention and immediate deportation. - Voted Nay on the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) and the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2). - Voted Nay on H.R. 875, which makes driving while intoxicated grounds for deporting non-citizens. - Conducted oversight of ICE raids in Los Angeles and protested DHS's treatment of congressional members during visits. > “When I showed up in LA to demand answers about ICE raids, DHS illegally refused me access to conduct oversight and deployed a chemical agent, twice.” > — Norma Torres, via [Campaign site](https://www.normatorres.com) **Mike Cargile:** Supports border wall and expedited legal status process Cargile views border security as an urgent national safety crisis and advocates completing the southern border wall. Through 'The Cargile Plan,' he proposes a one-time, three-year window for non-felon undocumented residents living in the U.S. prior to 2016 to apply for expedited citizenship for a $50 fee after the wall is built. - Complete the southern border wall as a top national defense priority. - Enact 'The Cargile Plan' offering a one-time 3-year expedited path to citizenship for non-convicted undocumented residents living in the U.S. prior to 2016. - Requires applicants to pass a citizenship test, take an oath of allegiance, pay a $50 fee, and prove compliance with tax and criminal laws. - Deport non-citizens who commit crimes or assault police officers and first responders. > “The United States is currently being invaded via our Southern border.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “Upon completion of the wall, all non-citizens residing within the continental United States prior to 2016, will have a 3 year period to begin filing for citizenship.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Election Integrity & Voting Salience: high Cargile advocates for strict voter ID laws and paper-only hand-counted ballots, while Torres opposes federal mandates requiring proof-of-citizenship documentation to register. **Norma Torres:** Opposes federal documentary proof of citizenship requirements Torres opposes federal legislation requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, viewing it as an unnecessary hurdle to voting access. - Voted Nay on the SAVE Act (H.R. 22 / H.R. 8281), which requires individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. **Mike Cargile:** Supports hand-counted paper ballots and voter ID Cargile considers election integrity the central issue of his platform, alleging widespread fraud in past elections. He advocates for strict election protocols, including same-day voting exclusively on paper ballots that are hand-counted, mandatory government photo ID, and full audits. - Mandate same-day voting using only paper ballots hand-counted on election day. - Require valid government-issued photo identification to cast a ballot. - Designate Election Day as a federal holiday. - Conduct full, top-down audits of state election processes. > “Election integrity is the paramount issue of our time, for from it flow all the other issues plaguing our nation.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “He believes voting should only occur with presentation of a valid government-issued photo identification, on paper ballots, that are then hand counted on the same day.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) ### Economy, Taxes & Cost of Living Salience: high Cargile advocates for broad deregulation, lower taxes, and protecting fossil fuel and gas appliances, whereas Torres supports federal infrastructure funding, labor protection laws, and clean-energy policies. **Norma Torres:** Supports federal infrastructure investment and tax credits Torres focuses on working-class relief through federal infrastructure spending, tax relief targeted at working families, and protecting government benefits. She opposes deregulation measures that roll back energy regulations. - Voted Yea on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. - Voted Nay on the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1) and the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023. - Endorsed by the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO. > “Working families deserve a champion in the halls of the United States Congress — and I’m committed to being that voice to help them get ahead.” > — Norma Torres, via [Campaign site](https://www.normatorres.com) **Mike Cargile:** Supports tax cuts, deregulation, and fossil/nuclear energy Cargile promotes free-market economic policies centered on lowering taxes, eliminating regulations, and opposing government mandates on energy and labor. He pledges to protect traditional energy sources and oppose state initiatives like labor regulation AB5. - Lower corporate and individual taxes, reduce fees, and eliminate government regulations. - Oppose labor legislation like California's AB5, calling it detrimental to small businesses and gig workers. - Protect natural gas appliances and traditional automotive fuels against federal or state phase-outs. - Promote nuclear power and hydrogen fuel cell development while opposing government EV mandates. > “The solution to our economic situation is, and always has been, lower taxes, less fees and fewer government regulations.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “I promise to protect the gas in your stoves, the gas in your cars, the price of food on your table and the safety of your family.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Public Safety & Law Enforcement Salience: medium Cargile supports protecting qualified immunity and expanding police budgets, while Torres supports police accountability and voted against mandatory deportation measures for assaults on officers. **Norma Torres:** Supports police oversight and targeted public safety funding Torres draws on her 17-year background as an LAPD 911 dispatcher to support public safety programs while maintaining oversight over police tactics and federal immigration enforcement actions. - Served 17 years as a 911 dispatcher with the Los Angeles Police Department. - Voted Nay on H.R. 7343, which mandates the detention and deportation of non-citizens who assault law enforcement officers or first responders. **Mike Cargile:** Opposes defunding police and supports increased law enforcement funding Cargile strongly supports law enforcement, attributing police errors to insufficient tactical training rather than bad intent. He advocates for increased funding for police training, hiring additional officers, expanding School Resource Officers, and preserving qualified immunity. - Increase funding for police tactical training and expand department hiring. - Preserve qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. - Expand School Resource Officer (SRO) programs in public schools. - Create student loan relief and education programs for police officers modeled on the GI Bill. > “Unlike my opponent, Norma J Torres, I will always DEFEND the police and I will never support DEFUNDING them.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “We need to spend MORE on actual tactical police training, not LESS.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Abortion & Reproductive Rights Salience: medium Torres is backed by Planned Parenthood and advocates for federal reproductive freedom, whereas Cargile opposes federal abortion funding and supports restrictions based on fetal heartbeats. **Norma Torres:** Supports abortion rights and reproductive freedom Torres is a firm defender of abortion rights and reproductive healthcare, working within Congress to protect access to care. - Endorsed by Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties' Community Action Fund. - Fights for federal abortion rights and healthcare equality as part of the Democratic Women's Caucus. > “I’m a proud to work alongside my fellow Congresswomen in the Democratic Women’s Caucus to fight for: 💵 Equal Pay 🏥 Better health care 🤰 Reproductive freedom ✊ Equality for all” > — Norma Torres, via [Campaign site](https://www.normatorres.com) **Mike Cargile:** Opposes federal abortion funding and supports fetal heartbeat protection Cargile believes life begins at conception and opposes taxpayer funding for abortion. He supports heartbeat bills to protect unborn life, while favoring exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother's life, as well as Streamlining adoption. - Opposes federal funding for abortion providers. - Supports fetal heartbeat protection legislation under 14th Amendment principles. - Supports exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother. - Advocates lowering adoption costs and simplifying adoption procedures. > “Life is a gift from God that begins at conception.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “Like President Reagan and Trump, Mike supports exceptions in the case of rape, incest and the life of the mother.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) ### Gender, Education & Parental Rights Salience: medium Cargile advocates restricting transgender women from female sports and expanding school choice, while Torres voted against federal transgender sports restrictions and is endorsed by teachers' unions. **Norma Torres:** Supports LGBTQ+ inclusion and public education funding Torres supports civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and defends inclusive public school curricula, earning support from major state education and civil rights groups. - Endorsed by the California Teachers Association and Equality California. - Voted Nay on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 (H.R. 28 / H.R. 734). **Mike Cargile:** Opposes transgender participation in women's sports and supports school choice Cargile strongly opposes transgender women competing in female sports categories or using female facilities. He opposes DEI and CRT in schools, calling for full parental oversight and expanded school choice options. - Supports the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act (H.R. 28 / H.R. 734). - Opposes transgender women in women's sports, locker rooms, and restrooms. - Opposes Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in educational curricula. - Supports school choice empowering parents to use funding for public, charter, private, online, or home schooling. > “I stand against boys in girls' sports, men in women's bathrooms, the sexualization of our children and racism in ANY form.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “Parents should be able to choose the school and environment best suited for their child.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Second Amendment & Gun Policy Salience: medium Cargile considers any firearm regulation an unconstitutional infringement, while Torres supports federal gun safety regulations. **Norma Torres:** Supports gun control regulations Torres supports federal legislation restricting firearm access and implementing gun safety protocols to reduce violent crime. - Supports federal gun safety legislation and restrictions on firearm sales. **Mike Cargile:** Opposes gun control regulations and supports absolute gun rights Cargile views the Second Amendment as an absolute, divine right that prohibits any federal or state gun regulation, registration, or restriction. - Opposes all gun control laws, registrations, or permit requirements as unconstitutional. - Believes the Second Amendment safeguards all other constitutional rights. - Endorsed by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA). > “The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Period.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) > “Any restriction, registration or regulation of that right, is by definition, an "infringement" and is unconstitutional.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) ### Healthcare & Senior Care Salience: low Torres supports strengthening public healthcare programs and Social Security benefits, whereas Cargile opposes government involvement in favor of free-market insurance competition across state lines. **Norma Torres:** Supports expanding healthcare access and Social Security protection Torres advocates for lowering healthcare costs and protecting government benefits for seniors, receiving backing from health sector unions. - Voted Yea on the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82). - Endorsed by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. **Mike Cargile:** Supports free-market healthcare reform and elder abuse penalties Cargile opposes federal healthcare mandates, advocating instead for free-market interstate competition among insurers and medical suppliers to lower costs. He also calls for strict criminal penalties for elder abuse. - Remove state-by-state regulatory restrictions to permit interstate competition among health insurers. - Provide tax credits for individuals entering the medical profession. - Increase criminal penalties for elder abuse. > “Like so many other facets of our society, the biggest roadblock to a robust healthcare system is government intrusion. It should be a free market, responding to the laws of supply and demand.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Veterans Affairs Salience: low Cargile framing veterans' advocacy around personal military service and strict oath compliance, while Torres supports federal veterans' care through appropriations legislation. **Norma Torres:** Supports federal funding for veterans and defense spending Torres supports annual military appropriations and veterans' care funding through her work on the House Appropriations Committee. - Voted Yea on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670). - Voted Yea on the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371). **Mike Cargile:** Supports expanded veterans' care and holding officials accountable Cargile emphasizes his background as a veteran and military family member, promising to prioritize veterans' care and hold elected leaders accountable to their oath of office. - Prioritize healthcare, disability services, and benefits for military veterans. - Cites personal service as a Desert Storm Army officer and multi-generational military family history. > “The care of and concern for our Veterans is very personal to me and will always be at the forefront of my mind and at the top of my priorities.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Cargile) ### Foreign Policy, Governance & Ideology Salience: low Cargile demands an 'America First' foreign aid policy and signed term limits pledges, whereas Torres serves on Appropriations and voted against House resolutions denouncing socialism. **Norma Torres:** Supports international diplomacy and opposes anti-socialism resolutions Torres serves on key committees managing federal appropriations and international diplomacy, supporting foreign assistance and opposing symbolic House anti-socialism measures. - Serves on the House Committee on Appropriations and previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. - Voted Nay on H.Con.Res. 9 (Denouncing the horrors of socialism). **Mike Cargile:** Opposes socialism, supports 'America First' foreign policy and term limits Cargile promotes an 'America First' platform, stating foreign aid to any nation must strictly benefit the United States first. He signed a term limits pledge, rejects PAC money, and firmly opposes socialism. - Condition foreign assistance on strict benefit to the United States under an 'America First' framework. - Signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge. - Rejects funding from AIPAC, Super PACs, or corporate special interests. - Supports resolutions denouncing socialism (H.Con.Res. 9). > “Not Israel first, not Ukraine first, not Europe first, not China first, not Mexico first… AMERICA FIRST!” > — Mike Cargile, via [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) > “Unlike my opponent who supports Socialism (H. Con. Res. 9), I stand completely against Socialism/Communism.” > — Mike Cargile, via [Campaign site](https://www.cargileforcongress.com) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/ca-35-house-election-winner) — CA-35 House Election Winner: Democrats 97.6%, Republicans 0.1% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-CA35-26) — CA-35 House winner?: Norma Torres 94.9%, Mike Cargile 2.7% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ca-35)