James Gallagher

RINCUMBENTU.S. Representative (since June 11, 2026); previously California State Assembly Minority Leader (2022-2025)

Won a 2026 special election for this seat and placed first in the June 2, 2026 top-two primary for the full term

James Gallagher represented California's Third Assembly District from 2014 to 2026, including service as Assembly Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025. He won a 2026 special election to succeed Doug LaMalfa in the U.S. House and is running for a full term.[2]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

On the record — official actions

  • actionServed as California Assembly Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025.[2]
  • actionServed on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors for six years before joining the Assembly.[2]
  • actionWon a 2026 special election for California's 1st Congressional District and assumed office June 11, 2026.[1]

In their words — priorities

  • Lists three key campaign messages: making life more affordable for North State families through lower taxes, fees and regulations; enacting tougher laws to protect communities from crime; and protecting farms and businesses from excessive government regulation.[2]
  • Says he is personally passionate about wildfire mitigation, water storage, and supporting farms and small businesses.[2]

Background

  • Born in Yuba City in 1981; earned a B.A. from UC Berkeley and a J.D. from UC Davis School of Law.[2]
  • Served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors for six years before joining the Assembly.[2]
  • Works as an attorney and is a partner in his family's farming operation.[2]
  • Represented California's Third Assembly District from 2014 to 2026 and served as Assembly Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025.[2]

Campaign money

Raised $1.5M · spent $1.2M · $333K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗

Also on the ballot for this seat: Mike McGuire · Compare side by side

Sources cited in this profile

  1. 1.California's 1st Congressional District · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference
  2. 2.James Gallagher (California) · Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey · 2026-09-25 Candidate's own words