California State Senate District 26 election winner
$11.5K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleAttorney (housing and environmental)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationCalifornia
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BackgroundAttorney (housing and environmental)
EducationDuke University — B.A., Public Policy
Notable personal detailsSara Hernandez is a Democratic candidate for California State Senate District 26 in 2026 and a trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District. She previously worked as an LAUSD middle school teacher and founded the education nonprofit Helping Young People Excel (HYPE). She practices as a housing and environmental attorney and has done pro bono immigration/asylum representation. She earned degrees from Duke University and Loyola Marymount University and a J.D. from Loyola Law School.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted public investments and tax policy to keep jobs and industry in California, including expanding and protecting film and TV tax credits, creating new refundable credits for commercial/creator productions, requiring large streaming platforms to reinvest revenues in California productions (or pay an equivalent), and advancing universal childcare and worker-centered economic measures.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, increasing funding for reproductive health providers, expanding access to mental health and addiction treatment, and ensuring health services are available across the district. Emphasizes strengthening care systems and funding community-based providers rather than advocating for single-payer.
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Immigration & Border
Supports expanded protections for immigrants including a pathway to citizenship, protections for students and families from immigration enforcement, limits on abusive detention practices, and requirements that ICE officers clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports expanding access to abortion care and birth control across California and protecting patients and providers from out-of-state restrictions and attacks. Advocates funding reproductive health providers and ensuring services are available in every ZIP code.
Climate & Energy
Supports climate justice and local sustainability measures, emphasizing electrification and zero-net-energy buildings and policies that expand clean energy and environmental stewardship while advancing housing and transit goals. Positions reflect moderate-to-strong support for state climate goals and clean-energy investments rather than opposition to transitional fossil-fuel use.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports stronger gun safety laws, increased enforcement, and focused violence-prevention investments; emphasizes removing untraceable "ghost guns" from streets. Prioritizes protections for children and neighborhoods while pursuing enforcement and prevention strategies.
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