Prediction Edge
Democrat
Mike Schaefer

Mike Schaefer

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Overview

Current roleFormer Council Member

PartyDemocratic

Age88 years old (Mar 25, 1938)

GenderMale

LocationCalifornia

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BackgroundAttorney

EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley — Bachelor of Business

Notable personal detailsJohn Michael (Mike) Schaefer is an American politician and lawyer who has served on the California State Board of Equalization representing the Fourth District since 2019. He previously served on the San Diego City Council from 1965 to 1971 and has worked in government roles including as a staff assistant to U.S. Sen. Thomas Kuchel and as an investigator/financial analyst for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2026, he is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in California’s 48th Congressional District.

SourcesShow
mikefightsforus.comboe.ca.goven.wikipedia.orgjoincalifornia.comelections.cdn.sos.ca.govkpbs.orglatimes.compredictionedge.comfec.govelectionline.orgprojects.propublica.orgdocquery.fec.govpolymarket.comwhoboughtmyrep.comdocs.voteinfo.netcrpa.orgvigarchive.sos.ca.govreviewjournal.comvig.cdn.sos.ca.govtransparencyusa.orgnevadaappeal.comballotready.orgwashingtonexaminer.comprojects.scpr.orglaweekly.comreddit.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.org

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.

News

AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 12, 2026

Mike Schaefer is running in the 2026 primary for California’s 48th congressional district, which is open after Rep. Darrell Issa’s retirement. Recent coverage focuses on his long political background and his campaign remarks. The reporting also notes past controversies, but does not mention any election result yet.

mikefightsforus.com+31
Articles
SASanta Ana Orange County Register2 months ago

Rafael Perez: The eternal return of Mike Schaefer, candidate for Congress

Negative

Polls

CA-48 primary: first place
Polling Average
30%20%10%0%
27%
11.5%
10.5%
Mike Schaefer
M. Schaefer
Jim Desmond
J. Desmond
Kevin O'Neil
K. O'Neil
Ammar Campa-Najjar
A. Campa-Najjar
Eric Shaw
E. Shaw
Ferguson Porter
F. Porter
Stephen Clemons
S. Clemons
Luis Reyna
L. Reyna
Date (Start - End)SpreadSchaeferDesmondO'NeilCampa-NajjarShawPorterClemonsReyna
Polling Average
Desmond+22.5
4.5%27.0%11.5%10.5%2.0%1.0%0.5%0.0%
SurveyUSAMay 8 - 14
Desmond+26.0
3.0%29.0%10.0%9.0%2.0%1.0%0.0%–
SurveyUSAApr 14 - 19
Desmond+19.0
6.0%25.0%13.0%12.0%2.0%1.0%1.0%0.0%

Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne

New updates coming soon

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

  • Endorsements
  • Fundraising