Polling Average
30%20%10%0%
27%
11.5%
10.5%
Democrat
Mike Schaefer
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in California
Democrat
CA-48 primary: first place
$4.6K
JUN 6, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — CA-48 primary: first place
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
1%chance to win
$4.6KJUN 6, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleAttorney
PartyDemocratic
Age88 years old (Mar 25, 1938)
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
Show moreShow less
BackgroundAttorney
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley (Bachelor of Business)
Notable personal detailsJohn Michael Schaefer is an American politician and attorney who ran as a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in California’s 48th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. He previously served on the San Diego City Council from 1965 to 1971 and later held office on the California Board of Equalization after winning election in 2018. He attended Mission Bay High School, earned a Bachelor of Business from the University of California, Berkeley, and received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govdocquery.fec.goven.wikipedia.orgmikefightsforus.comthecandidate.comthemidtermproject.orgkpbs.orghistory.house.govdp.electionresults.sos.ca.govelectionstats.ace.yolocounty.govwebforms.fec.govvoteinfo.netcapitolhillaccess.compollingsource.comcrpa.orgreddit.comboe.ca.govvigarchive.sos.ca.govreviewjournal.comvig.cdn.sos.ca.govtransparencyusa.orgnevadaappeal.comballotready.orgwashingtonexaminer.comjoincalifornia.comprojects.scpr.orgelections.cdn.sos.ca.govlaweekly.combluevoterguide.orgbenallenca.comsfchronicle.comfacebook.comsandiegouniontribune.compolitico.comthecentersquare.comtimesofsandiego.comnbcsandiego.comfox5sandiego.comballotpedia.orgpatch.comocregister.comsportsbusinessjournal.comcbs8.cominstagram.comcdn.ballotpedia.orghouse.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports protecting Proposition 13 and opposes higher taxes and tax increases; advocates lowering tax burdens for homeowners, small businesses, and taxpayers while trimming government waste and budgets.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Mike Schaefer is running in California’s 48th congressional district primary, where the top-two system will decide which candidates move on to the general election. The race is drawing attention because Democrats redrew the district and are trying to win the seat, but a split vote could leave them out of the top two. Recent coverage has focused on Schaefer’s campaign for the open seat and his long political background.
fec.gov+45
Articles
SASanta Ana Orange County Register5 months ago
Rafael Perez: The eternal return of Mike Schaefer, candidate for Congress
Negative
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat3 months ago
Democrats redrew California’s map to counter Trump. The primary tests whether it pays off for them
Neutral
WCWDIV ClickOnDetroit3 months ago
Democrats redrew California's map to counter Trump. The primary tests whether it pays off for them
Neutral
Latest Polls
CA-48 primary: first place
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Mike Schaefer currently averages 4.5%, ranking 4th in this race, 6.0 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 4.5%Position: 4thMargin: -6.0 ptsLatest poll: 3.0% (May 8 - 14)Polls included: 2
Average recalculated from polls through May 8 - 14.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising