Incumbent
Jim Costa
Incumbent Democratic candidate for U.S. House in California
CA-21 primary: first place
$3.1K
JUN 6, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Jim Costa is trading at 99% to win the CA-21 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
Age74 years old (Apr 13, 1952)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationB.A., California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), 1974
Notable personal detailsJames Manuel (Jim) Costa is a U.S. Representative from California’s 21st Congressional District, serving in the House since January 3, 2005. He previously served in the California State Assembly (1978–1994) and the California State Senate (1994–2002). Costa earned a B.A. from California State University, Fresno in 1974 and is associated publicly with agriculture and advocacy work in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Jim Costa’s public record and campaign materials show support for targeted revenue measures and opposition to large Republican tax-cut proposals; his voting record includes opposing GOP tax bills and supporting tax provisions that close loopholes or affect capital gains. His stated priorities emphasize funding for job programs, regional economic development, and protecting middle‑income taxpayers while opposing giveaways to the wealthiest and largest corporations.
Healthcare
Supports strengthening and preserving the Affordable Care Act and opposing Medicaid cuts; advocates actions to keep coverage affordable and expand access through government programs and targeted legislation. Prioritizes protecting premium tax credits, Medicaid/Medi‑Cal funding, and outreach to enroll constituents in ACA plans.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protections for Dreamers and expanded legal pathways (including legislation to provide status for DACA recipients and farmworkers) while also endorsing measures to secure the border and invest in border personnel and technology. Advocates for bipartisan, “commonsense” immigration reform balancing humanitarian relief with border security.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion rights, opposed the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and is an original co-sponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act to protect access to abortion. His congressional voting record includes votes against legislation to restrict federal funding or coverage for abortion.
Climate & Energy
Supports development and deployment of clean energy technologies (hydrogen, bioenergy, dairy methane digesters, low‑carbon biofuels) and agricultural/soil practices that reduce emissions and build climate resilience while also pursuing pragmatic energy solutions. Backed bipartisan legislation and congressional caucus activity to promote carbon‑reducing technologies and renewable fuels.
Public Safety & Guns
Jim Costa has supported federal legislation to expand background checks, co-sponsored and voted for bills to reinstate or strengthen assault-weapons restrictions, and supported federal ‘red flag’/extreme-risk protection measures. His public statements endorse a multifaceted approach to reduce gun violence, including background checks, limits on certain weapons and school safety measures.
Latest News
Jim Costa is in the news because congressional ethics officials dismissed an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct toward interns. His office says he cooperated with the review, and the dismissal is the main recent development. He also voted with most Republicans and several Democrats for the House-passed Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The reports also mention an older, separate 1986 incident involving a prostitution allegation.
Dem Rep. Costa Was Investigated for Advances Toward Interns
Full List of Democrats Who Voted For Farm Bill Amid Fights, Controversy
California Democrat Jim Costa was probed in 2023 for unwanted advances towards two young female interns
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Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
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Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
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