Candidates for California's 39th Congressional District
2026 Primary Election — June 2, 2026
District: CA-39 covers inland Riverside County, including the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Menifee. Voter registration: 46% Dem, 26% GOP, 20% NPP — a solidly Democratic district. Incumbent: Democrat Mark Takano, first elected in 2012 and serving since 2013. Under Prop 50, the district added more Democratic-leaning areas in Riverside County. California uses a top-two primary: all candidates appear on one ballot; the top two vote-getters advance to November 3 regardless of party.[1]
Mark Takano Dem Age 65
Incumbent U.S. Representative • Riverside Incumbent Favorite
U.S. Representative for CA-39 (2013–present) and previously CA-41. Former high school teacher in Rialto. Harvard College graduate. Served on Riverside Community College Board. Ranking member of House Veterans' Affairs Committee. $649K raised.[1]
Top Issues / Platform
- Veterans' affairs — expand VA healthcare, reduce claims backlog
- Healthcare — protect and strengthen Medicare, lower prescription costs
- Education — increase federal funding for public schools and community colleges
- Climate action — clean energy investment, environmental justice
- Protect Social Security and Medicare
Key Endorsements
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund
- Sierra Club
- Human Rights Campaign
- California Teachers Association
- AFSCME, SEIU California
- $649K raised; $88K COH (Mar 2026)[2]
Strengths ▲
- Seven-term incumbent with strong name ID and institutional support
- Solid Democratic district — Harris won CA-39 by 10 points in 2024
- Seniority on Veterans' Affairs Committee delivers federal funding for district
Weaknesses ▼
- Faces only one challenger in a low-turnout primary — complacency risk
- Progressive record may not fully align with moderate voters in Moreno Valley and Perris
- Limited national profile compared to some House colleagues
Steve Manos Rep Age 54
Mayor of Menifee / Business Owner • Menifee Republican Challenger
Current Menifee City Councilmember and Mayor. Business owner and former Lake Elsinore council member specializing in international economic affairs. Ran for State Assembly in 2020. Emphasizes public safety, fiscal responsibility, and local control. $0 reported fundraising.[4]
Top Issues / Platform
- Public safety — fully fund police, combat fentanyl crisis
- Fiscal responsibility — reduce federal spending, balance the budget
- Cost of living — lower inflation, reduce gas prices and housing costs
- Local control — return power to cities and counties
- Secure the border and fix immigration system
Key Endorsements
- Self-funded grassroots campaign
- No major endorsements reported
- $0 raised; no FEC activity[4]
Strengths ▲
- Currently serving as Mayor of Menifee — highest-ranking local official in the district
- Strong local name recognition in fastest-growing part of the district
- Business background could appeal to moderate and independent voters
Weaknesses ▼
- Heavy underdog in a district where Democrats hold a 20-point registration advantage
- No campaign fundraising — unable to run TV or mail outreach
- Low name ID outside of Menifee and Lake Elsinore
Race Summary & Outlook
CA-39 is a safe Democratic seat covering inland Riverside County — from Riverside and Moreno Valley east to Perris, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore. Incumbent Mark Takano (D) has held the district or its predecessor since 2013 and enjoys strong institutional support.[1]
Key dynamics:
- Mark Takano (65) is the heavy favorite with $649K raised and broad support from labor, environmental, and progressive groups.
- Steve Manos (54), the Republican Mayor of Menifee, is running a shoestring campaign on a platform of public safety and fiscal conservatism.
- The district's Democratic lean (Harris +10 in 2024) makes a general election challenge extremely difficult for any Republican.
- Likely outcome: Takano and Manos advance to November, with Takano heavily favored to win re-election.
Primary: June 2, 2026 — General: November 3, 2026