California State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-Geyserville, announced that he will run for California’s 1st Congressional District in 2026.
As president pro tempore, McGuire is the highest-ranking member of the state Senate. He currently represents California’s 2nd state senatorial district, including Marin, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte counties.
He is challenging U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, who has represented the 1st District since 2013.
McGuire’s announcement follows voter approval of Proposition 50, the statewide redistricting measure that replaces the congressional maps drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission with new maps expected to give Democrats an advantage.
Under the new map, the congressional 1st District will lose conservative strongholds such as Redding and Modoc County to the 2nd District, while gaining more Democratic-leaning areas, including Ukiah and Santa Rosa.
McGuire highlighted his North Coast roots in his announcement, noting he was raised by his single mother and grandmother on a ranch in Sonoma County. He lives in Geyserville with his wife, Erika, and son, Connor.
McGuire has served in the California State Senate since 2014 and was the majority leader for two years. He became president pro tempore in 2024. Before joining the Legislature, he represented Sonoma County’s 4th District on the Board of Supervisors.
McGuire on Thursday said he is running to not only represent the 1st district, but to also fight President Donald Trump’s policies. In a statement, McGuire called LaMalfa a “lapdog” for Trump. “Enough is enough,” McGuire said, “It’s time for a change.”
He enters the raise with a string of endorsements from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Houe Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, among others.
While McGuire’s website does not yet list specific campaign priorities, his announcement cited his record in the state Senate as a key reason he is seeking to unseat LaMalfa. Including his work on wildfire safety, public schools and environmentalism.
“Together, we’ve been fighting tooth and nail for Northern California,” McGuire said, “Now, we’re going to bring that fight to Washington — to bring down costs for working families, protect healthcare for every American, and defend our democracy from Donald Trump. I’m all in for Northern California, every damn day.”