CA-51 primary: first place
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleSmall business owner
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundSmall business owner
Notable personal detailsStan Caplan is a small business owner in the San Diego area and a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 51st Congressional District (CA-51). He has previously run for the same seat, including in 2022 and 2024. In the 2026 cycle, he is listed on California’s certified candidate list for the June 2, 2026 primary.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports reducing taxes and shrinking government spending, including proposals to lower or eliminate income taxes for lower earners and other pro–small-business measures. Emphasizes using private enterprise rather than government to grow the economy and reducing regulation to help small businesses compete.
Immigration & Border
Supports stronger physical security of the southern border and emphasizes restricting immigration to legal channels; links illegal immigration to crime and stresses the need for increased border enforcement. Positions favor enforcement and border control measures rather than expansive legalization or asylum-expanding reforms.
Show moreShow less
Climate & Energy
The candidate has publicly prioritized reducing gas and energy costs by increasing domestic oil and natural gas production and has expressed support from conservative groups; campaign and filing records identify him as a candidate for CA-51. He has also appeared on voter-profile sites with statements about climate and energy, but his specific policy emphasis emphasizes fossil fuel production and lower energy prices rather than aggressive emissions targets or Green New Deal–style plans.
News
Stan Caplan is in the news because he is running as a Democrat for California’s 51st Congressional District ahead of the 2026 midterms. In a recent Q&A, he laid out a campaign focused on affordability, public safety, and immigration enforcement, while also criticizing progressive policies. He said he switched parties because the district is heavily Democratic.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20242022
2024
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements




