2026 Midterms · U.S. House · California Safe
California — 37th District
Democratic
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Incumbent
No Republican nominee
California's 37th Congressional District 2026 general election features an all-Democratic matchup between incumbent Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove and challenger Samantha Mota after both advanced from the June 2 top-two primary. The district was impacted by mid-decade redistricting following California voters' approval of Proposition 50 in 2025. Major nonpartisan election handicappers, including Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill, rate the general election as Solid or Safe Democratic.
Immigration & Border Security
high salienceKamlager-Dove relies on her legislative record of opposing GOP border bills and introducing ICE oversight legislation, while Mota names immigration reform as a core motivation for her grassroots campaign.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Opposes restrictive border bills, seeks ICE oversight
Kamlager-Dove opposes Republican border enforcement measures and advocates for oversight and humane treatment in detention facilities. She introduced the Stop ICE's Medical Neglect Act of 2026 to create standardized medical reporting and investigation protocols in ICE detention centers.
- Introduced Stop ICE's Medical Neglect Act of 2026 to establish standardized reporting and mandatory investigation of medical neglect in ICE detention facilities.
- Demanded proper medical care for ICE-detained constituent Carlitos Ricardo Parias on the House floor.
- Voted NAY on the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), Laken Riley Act (S. 5), Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), and the DUI deportation bill (H.R. 875).
“Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) held a press conference to announce the upcoming introduction of her Stop ICE’s Medical Neglect Act of 2026, legislation that creates a standardized system to report medical neglect in ICE detention facilities, requires each complaint to be investigated, and ensures adequate follow-up care.”
Healthcare
high salienceBoth candidates endorse universal healthcare access, with Kamlager-Dove pointing to federal advocacy and Mota framing it as a necessity for abandoned communities.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports universal healthcare access
Kamlager-Dove supports healthcare expansion, listing 'Health care for all' among her core priorities on her campaign platform.
- Lists 'Health care for all' as a key campaign focus area.
- Supported funding for community healthcare and recovery projects in Los Angeles.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Health care for all”
Economy & Jobs
high salienceKamlager-Dove emphasizes federal earmarks and job creation initiatives, while Mota views economic stability through the lens of community restoration and anti-corruption.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports economic justice and job creation
Kamlager-Dove focuses on creating local job opportunities and securing federal investments for small businesses, workforce development, and infrastructure in Los Angeles.
- Secured federal community funding for a Technology and Entrepreneurship Center and local revitalization projects.
- Voted YEA on the GENIUS Act (S. 1582) to establish a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.
- Voted NAY on the Republican reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) and Limit, Save, Grow Act (H.R. 2811).
“These investments in our Los Angeles community create jobs with better pay, make us safer, and strengthen our communities”
Housing & Homelessness
medium salienceSydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports federal housing and homelessness investments
Kamlager-Dove prioritizes innovative housing solutions, securing federal community project funding for permanent supportive housing, youth housing, and homeless relief across CA-37.
- Secured federal project funding for the Inside Safe Program, Jubilo Village Affordable Housing, Butterfly's Haven Youth Housing, and Prentice Permanent Supportive Housing.
- Introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate higher education barriers for homeless and foster youth.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Innovative investment in housing”
Criminal Justice & Public Safety
medium salienceSydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports diversion, rehabilitation, and bail reform
Kamlager-Dove advocates criminal justice reform rooted in diversion, rehabilitation, and crime prevention, backing community-based violence intervention programs.
- Supported California Proposition 25 (2020) to replace cash bail with risk assessments.
- Secured community funding for anti-recidivism programs, crime reduction advocacy for transition-age youth, and community healing initiatives.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Criminal justice reform focused on diversion, redemption, and rehabilitation”
Government Reform & Voting Rights
medium salienceKamlager-Dove focuses on voting rights expansion and Congressional oversight votes, whereas Mota presents her campaign as an anti-corruption challenge against incumbent political structures.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports expanding voting rights and federal transparency
Kamlager-Dove advocates expanding voting rights and increasing government transparency, voting for sunshine legislation and against strict voting restriction bills.
- Voted NAY on the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.
- Voted YEA on the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) requiring DOJ to publish unclassified investigative records.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Expanding voting rights”
Environment & Energy
medium salienceSydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports Green New Deal and climate action
Kamlager-Dove advocates bold climate legislation, green transit, and urban environmental resiliency projects, earning endorsements from major environmental organizations.
- Endorsed a Green New Deal and immediate climate action on her platform.
- Voted NAY on the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1).
- Endorsed by California Environmental Voters and the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... A Green New Deal and immediate climate action”
Education
low salienceSydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports education funding and vulnerable student access
Kamlager-Dove prioritizes educational investments, student support services, and removing institutional obstacles for homeless and foster youth.
- Co-introduced legislation to break down higher education barriers for homeless and foster youth.
- Voted NAY on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act (H.R. 28).
- Endorsed by the California Teachers Association.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Investments in education and the arts”
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
low salienceSydney Kamlager-Dove
Supports reproductive justice and abortion access
Kamlager-Dove lists reproductive justice as a core focus of her congressional service and receives backing from reproductive health groups.
- Lists reproductive justice among her primary campaign themes.
- Consistently scored 100% on legislative scorecards from Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California during her tenure.
“WHAT SYDNEY IS FOCUSED ON: ... Reproductive justice”