Candidate

Lisa Ramirez

U.S. HouseDemocrat

CA-40 U.S. House

Ecuadorian-Italian American·Owner/Partner, U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP

Why This Race Matters

Lisa Ramirez is running against Young Kim (R, incumbent).

CA-40 is one of four California GOP seats the Cook Political Report identifies as somewhat competitive. Democrats view it as a key flip opportunity in 2026, especially amid shifting Orange County demographics. Young Kim won in 2024 by over 10 points, but Democrats see rising voter disenchantment with Trump policies as their best chance to unseat her.

Ramirez faces a crowded Democratic primary including Christina Gagnier (former school board member), Joe Kerr (2024 nominee and retired firefighter), Esther Kim Varet (art dealer), Perry Meade (labor organizer), Nina Linh (nonprofit founder), and Paula Swift (community advocate). She launched her campaign August 20, 2025 after gaining attention for the Barranco case. Young Kim has nearly $4 million cash on hand.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Lisa Ramirez is an immigration attorney from Orange County running for California's 40th Congressional District in 2026. The daughter of an immigrant mother, she was born and raised in Southern California and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She gained national attention representing Narciso Barranco, a Tustin father of three U.S. Marines who was detained by ICE in 2025 and whose video of being punched by a federal agent went viral. Her experience advocating for immigrants, seniors, domestic violence survivors, and human trafficking victims drives her campaign.

Family & Heritage

First-generation college graduate. Daughter of an immigrant mother. Family traces roots to Ecuador and Italy. Grew up in Rowland Heights in L.A. County.

Political Career

Before Politics

Staff Attorney at Public Law Center; Director of Legal Services & Advocacy at Catholic Charities of Orange County; worked at family restaurant El Pollo Loco through high school, waitressed through college, worked for City of Chino while in law school

Education

JD from Loyola Law School; BA in Political Science & Religious Studies from Scripps College

Key Issues & Priorities

*Upholding the Constitution and rule of law

*Immigration reform and due process

*Livable wages and economic mobility for working families

*Affordable housing

*Healthcare access

*Public safety

Notable Legislation

Endorsements

Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC

Rep. Lou Correa

Rep. Luz Rivas

Rep. Linda Sanchez

Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer