Cristian Morales
Candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 43
Cristian Morales is the Republican candidate for California's 43rd District. The general election is November 3, 2026. He faces longtime Democratic incumbent Maxine Waters. Morales was born in Guatemala City. He came to the United States in the 1970s. He earned a degree in management. It was from Purdue University, in 2002. He also earned a graduate degree. It was in industrial and labor relations. It came from Cornell University in 2008. He has worked over 20 years in manufacturing. His roles spanned autos, aerospace, and defense. He calls himself a director of operations. He says he leads multicultural teams. Morales ran for California Governor before. That was in 2022, as a Republican. In the June 2, 2026 primary for CA-43, he placed second. There were four candidates. He got 16.9% of the vote. That was 20,009 votes. He advanced to face Rep. Waters. As of mid-May 2026, his campaign reported no funds. It had no contributions or spending for the cycle. He had not filled out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Home: California; specific city not confirmed. Occupation: manufacturing and operations executive. He calls himself a director of operations. Prior office: none held. He ran for California Governor before, unsuccessfully, in 2022.
On the issues
- Economy & Jobs
Morales has criticized California's business climate as poor for job creation, citing high poverty and unemployment, and (per a general profile) supports efforts to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
Source → - Taxes & Cost of Living
Morales has criticized California's tax burden and regulatory environment as harmful to residents and businesses.
Source → - Health & Health Care
Morales supports 'affordable' healthcare access emphasizing prevention and personal responsibility, and has criticized the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) as unaffordable.
Source → - Immigration & Border
Morales has advocated a special immigration carve-out policy for people from Northern Triangle countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) and Mexico, citing historical ties and shared cultural/religious values.
Source → - Education & Schools
Morales has criticized California's public education system as underperforming compared to other states.
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Morales describes himself as a strong supporter of Second Amendment gun rights.
Source → - Criminal Justice & Courts
Morales has supported a 'three strikes' policy for violent crime and has linked crime rates to lack of economic opportunity.
Source → - Foreign Policy & Defense
Morales describes himself as a strong supporter of Israel and of Taiwan, citing Guatemala's historical diplomatic ties to both, and has proposed a voluntary military-or-community-service program for 18-year-olds.
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.