Incumbent
George Whitesides
Incumbent Democratic candidate for U.S. House in California
CA-27 primary: first place
$52.3K
JUN 6, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
George Whitesides is trading at 1% to win the CA-27 primary: first place on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age52 years old (Mar 3, 1974)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationPrinceton University — A.B., 1996
Notable personal detailsGeorge Thomas Whitesides is a U.S. Representative from California’s 27th Congressional District, serving since January 3, 2025. He previously served as Chief of Staff at NASA (2009–2010) and later became the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, leading the company for about a decade. He has also led nonprofit work connected to space policy and public-service initiatives. He is married to Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides and has two children.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports increased government investment to create local jobs and spur innovation, including tax incentives and grants for small businesses and expanded R&D funding; proposes tax cuts targeted to homeowners and the middle class (including expanding the SALT deduction).
Healthcare
Supports protecting and expanding access to healthcare including protecting the Affordable Care Act and coverage for pre-existing conditions; defends Medicare and Social Security and supports reproductive health decision-making free from government interference. Emphasizes ensuring veterans’ medical care is funded and improving access to care in communities facing cuts.
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Immigration & Border
Supports securing the border using investments in advanced technology, upgrading ports of entry, hiring more Border Patrol agents and immigration judges, and building physical infrastructure where appropriate; opposes open borders. Advocates fixing the immigration system while emphasizing border security measures.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting abortion and reproductive health care access and favors codifying the rights previously guaranteed by Roe v. Wade into federal law. Opposes nationwide abortion bans and positions himself against candidates who back such bans.
Climate & Energy
Supports policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy innovation, including stronger landfill methane standards and federal collaboration on energy research; favors investments and incentives for clean technologies while allowing for transitional approaches.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded background checks and measures to disarm domestic abusers and those who pose risks, and supports funding community violence intervention programs while also backing increased funding and technology for local law enforcement. Positions combine support for gun safety regulations with support for law enforcement and local public-safety investments.
Latest News
George Whitesides is in the news mainly because his 2026 race in California’s 27th Congressional District is still being watched after early primary returns showed Jason Gibbs ahead, though the result was not yet certified. He also recently highlighted constituent services in the district, saying his office has helped residents with passport renewals and other federal issues and returned nearly $16 million to the community through casework. Separately, he has been promoting anti-scam legislation and other constituent-focused efforts, including the Congressional Art Competition.
We're Here to Serve Our Constituents
Whitesides announces Congressional Art Competition
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Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements