Ted W. Lieu, a Democrat who has represented California's 36th Congressional District since 2015, is running for reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Lieu faces Republican Houston Brignano, according to BallotReady election data. Lieu is certified for the ballot. He serves as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, a leadership post he has held since 2023, according to his congressional biography.

Candidate information

  • Name: Ted W. Lieu
  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives, California 36th Congressional District
  • Education: High school diploma, Saint Ignatius High School, 1987; bachelor's degree in computer science, Stanford University, 1991; juris doctor, Georgetown University, 1994 (magna cum laude, editor-in-chief of the law review)
  • Born: Taipei, Taiwan, 1969. Immigrated to the United States at age 3, settling in Cleveland, Ohio.

Experience and public service

Lieu has held elected office at the local, state and federal levels. He served as a Torrance city councilmember from 2002 to 2005 and as an environmental quality commissioner for the city of Torrance starting in 2002, according to his congressional biography.

He won a seat in the California State Assembly representing District 53, serving from 2005 to 2010. He then served in the California State Senate representing District 28 from 2011 to 2014, according to BallotReady.

Lieu has represented the 36th Congressional District since 2015. He served as an impeachment manager in the U.S. House in 2021, according to his congressional biography.

His military record includes service in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps from 1995 to 1999. He held the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 2000 to 2016, according to BallotReady. Before entering politics, Lieu clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, according to his congressional biography.

Endorsements

Lieu has received endorsements from the California Democratic Party, the Los Angeles County Democrats, the AFL-CIO, the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, the League of Conservation Voters, the California Professional Firefighters, the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, VoteVets and the California School Employees Association, among others, according to BallotReady. Endorsements listed are claimed by the endorsing organizations.

On the issues

Ted Lieu emphasizes veterans’ services, government accountability, climate action and technology policy. His campaign highlights efforts to improve safety at the West Los Angeles VA campus and expand housing for homeless veterans, alongside his advocacy for government oversight and the rule of law.

Lieu also points to his work on artificial intelligence policy, cybersecurity and internet privacy. His legislative priorities include addressing climate change, banning conversion therapy and eliminating money bail as part of criminal justice reform.

Candidate profiles are based on reviewed public records, official biographies and election data. The Santa Monica Wave did not interview the candidate for this profile. Responses to any candidate questionnaire, when available, are noted as such.