Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
48%
5%
Republican
Incumbent
IncumbentJay Obernolte
RepublicanIncumbent
IncumbentJay Obernolte
CA-23 primary: first place
$1.2K
JUN 6, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationCalifornia
SourcesShowHide
obernolte.house.govjustfacts.votesmart.orguploads.rov.sbcounty.govontheissues.orgsbaprolife.orgivoterguide.comscience.house.govhuffman.house.goven.wikipedia.orgclerk.house.govelectjay.comsbcsentinel.comcongress.govwaysandmeans.house.govbudget.house.govhouse.mn.govfacebook.cominstagram.comsarajacobs.house.govsubscriber.politicopro.comtimesofsandiego.commoaa.orgplannedparenthoodaction.orgpolitico.comballotpedia.orgpunchbowl.newsauvsi.orgthecentersquare.comvaladao.house.govquiverquant.comcragop.orgbizpacreview.comanimalwellnessaction.orgshannongroveca.compredictionedge.comx.comhistory.house.govballotready.orges.wikipedia.orgziplook.house.govit.wikipedia.orgfr.wikipedia.orggovinfo.govdocquery.fec.govfec.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports lowering taxes to encourage job growth, reducing wasteful federal spending, and enacting a balanced federal budget; favors cutting government spending and repealing certain taxes (e.g., gas taxes) to provide relief for families.
Healthcare
Supports patient-centered, personalized healthcare with expanded telehealth access and fiscally responsible reforms that increase choices and lower costs without reducing benefits. Has supported reforms to Medicaid and introduced bipartisan, targeted healthcare legislation (e.g., suicide lifeline cybersecurity, organ-donor assistance) rather than proposals for single-payer or Medicare for All.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
The candidate emphasizes securing the southern border, stopping illegal immigration, and supporting use of detention facilities and enforcement resources. He advocates fixing the immigration system to encourage legal immigration while prioritizing border security and reducing illegal crossings.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports pro-life policies and restrictions on abortion, viewing regulation primarily as a matter for states rather than a federal constitutional right. Endorsed/scored by pro-life organizations and described in voter guides as opposing unrestricted access to abortion.
Climate & Energy
Supports a diverse energy mix with an emphasis on nuclear power and resilience measures; promotes conservative approaches to climate policy and prioritizes fiscal oversight of federal energy programs. Has sponsored and supported legislation focused on wildfire resilience and community adaptation to climate-driven disasters.
Public Safety & Guns
Jay Obernolte identifies as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has voted against expanding federal background-check requirements for private firearm transfers. His public record and ratings indicate opposition to additional gun-control measures while supporting gun-owner rights.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Jay Obernolte is in the news for helping lead a bipartisan push on federal AI regulation. He and Rep. Lori Trahan have released a draft bill that would set national standards for frontier AI, require audits and safety planning, and limit some state AI laws for a period of time. He has also been promoting a separate bipartisan disaster readiness bill aimed at helping states identify transportation assets vulnerable to natural disasters. Earlier, he won the House Republican Policy Committee chairmanship, giving him a more influential GOP policy role.
obernolte.house.gov+44
Articles
SASanta Ana Orange County Register3 months ago
Inland Empire GOP Rep. Jay Obernolte gets a big promotion
Positive
SDSan Diego Union-Tribune1 month ago
A conversation with Congressman Jay Obernolte on artificial intelligence
Neutral
GGizmodo2 months ago
New Bipartisan Legislation Takes a Big Step Forward in Restricting State Regulation of AI
Neutral
SCSanta Clarita Valley Signal1 month ago
Whitesides introduces bipartisan bill on disaster readiness
Positive
Polls
CA-23 primary: first place
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
CA-23 primary: first place
Endorsers of Jay Obernolte for CA-23 primary: first place
California Republican Party
Public figure
The California Republican Party endorsed Jay Obernolte for California's 23rd Congressional District.
Log Cabin Republicans PAC
Political organization
Log Cabin Republicans PAC endorsed Jay Obernolte for Congress in California's 23rd District.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.6M
$1.2M
$822.1K
$411.1K
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$1.1M
$370.2K
$759.9K
$31.7K
Cycle 2024
$1.5M
$997.8K
$905.2K
$37.7K
Cycle 2026
$1.5M
$1.6M
$809.5K
$45.0K
Source: FEC