Prediction Edge
Democrat
Brandon Riker

Brandon Riker

Overview

Current roleSmall business owner

PartyDemocratic

Political ideologyProgressive Democrat

LocationCalifornia

BackgroundSmall business owner

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Notable personal detailsBrandon Riker is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in California's 48th Congressional District (2026 cycle). He is a small business owner and entrepreneur who has described himself as a trained economist and has worked in senior management and strategic planning roles at investment firms. He previously ran for lieutenant governor of Vermont in 2016.

SourcesShow

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

Supports making the first $50,000 of income tax-free, eliminating the Social Security payroll tax income cap, updating capital gains taxation and closing loopholes used by wealthy taxpayers, and expanding investments in social programs and healthcare subsidies.

Healthcare

Supports strengthening and expanding the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies to improve affordability and access to healthcare; emphasizes expanding government programs to reduce healthcare costs for working families.

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Abortion & Reproductive Rights

The candidate supports codifying reproductive freedom into federal law and protecting access to abortion, contraception, and fertility care (including IVF), along with safeguards for medical privacy and personal health data. He positions reproductive freedom as a fundamental right to be protected at the federal level.

Climate & Energy

Supports re-entering the Paris Agreement and investing in new technologies to meet climate commitments, and favors clean-energy investment and related infrastructure as part of economic opportunity and job creation.

News

AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 10, 2026

Brandon Riker is running in California’s 48th Congressional District, where the June primary is drawing heavy attention after redistricting made the seat a key House battleground. Recent coverage says he is among the leading Democratic contenders competing with Marni von Wilpert and Ammar Campa-Najjar for one of the top-two spots, while Republican Jim Desmond is widely expected to advance. Earlier reporting also highlighted Riker as a Democratic small business owner from Palm Springs who answered a candidate questionnaire on issues including taxes, immigration, climate, and voting rights.

fec.gov+48

Polls

Tulchin Research
10%8%6%4%2%0%
8%
Brandon Riker
B. Riker
Date (Start - End)SpreadShare
Tulchin ResearchApr 30, 2026
8.0%
SurveyUSAApr 19, 2026
4.0%
Tulchin ResearchFeb 22, 2026
5.0%
Public Policy PollingFeb 17, 2026
8.0%
Blueprint PollingFeb 4, 2026
8.0%
Blueprint PollingFeb 4, 2026
7.0%

Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne

Fundraising

Latest report: Cycle 2026
Total raisedCash on hand
$2.1M
$1.6M
$1.1M
$526.1K
$0

2026

Latest
Year
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate

Cycle 2026

$2.1M
$154.3K
$2.0M
$114.7K

Source: FEC

New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

  • Endorsements