Tom McClintockIncumbent
Candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 5
Tom McClintock is a Republican. He is the incumbent in California's 5th Congressional District. He has held the seat since 2023, after redistricting. He held the 4th District, its predecessor, from 2009 to 2023. He served in the California State Assembly from 1982 to 1992. He served there again from 1996 to 2000. He then served in the California State Senate, 2000 to 2008. In 2003, California held a recall election for governor. He was a candidate in that race. McClintock studied political science at UCLA. He earned a B.A. there. He also worked as a public policy analyst. In the current Congress, he serves on three committees. They are House Natural Resources, Judiciary, and Budget. He chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. He is running for re-election on November 3, 2026. He faces Democrat Michael Masuda. He took 61.8% in the November 2024 general election and 61.3% in the June 2026 primary. Born 1956. Home: Elk Grove, California. Occupation: U.S. House member, the incumbent. Prior office: incumbent since 2009. He held CA-4 from 2009 to 2023. He has held CA-5 since 2023. Earlier, he served in the state Assembly and state Senate.
On the issues
- Economy & Jobs
Supports reducing tax and regulatory burdens on businesses as the primary driver of job growth, and generally favors free trade over protectionism.
Source → - Taxes & Cost of Living
Favors lower taxes and reduced federal spending/regulation as central to economic growth and fiscal health; serves on the House Budget Committee.
Source → - Health & Health Care
Opposes the Affordable Care Act and has called for its complete repeal, favoring market-based alternatives.
Source → - Immigration & Border
Supports strict border enforcement and opposes amnesty/DACA, while stating support for legal immigration paired with assimilation into American civic culture.
Source → - Reproductive & Social Issues
Holds a pro-life position, supporting restrictions on abortion access and federal funding, and voted against the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act protecting same-sex marriage.
Source → - Education & Schools
Opposes federal student loan subsidies, arguing they drive up tuition costs, and favors reducing the federal government's role in higher-education financing.
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Strongly supports Second Amendment rights and opposes new federal gun restrictions.
Source → - Criminal Justice & Courts
Supports easing federal marijuana law to protect state-legal cannabis programs from federal prosecution, favoring state authority over federal drug enforcement in this area.
Source → - Environment, Energy & Climate
Expresses skepticism that human activity is the primary driver of climate change, opposes California-style renewable-energy mandates as too costly, and supports increased dam/water infrastructure construction.
Source → - Foreign Policy & Defense
Supports strong national defense readiness and has opposed diplomatic agreements he views as insufficiently protective, such as likening the Iran nuclear deal to the "Munich Accords."
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.