California's 19th Congressional District

California's 19th Congressional District is represented by Jimmy Panetta (Democrat), who has served in the House since 2017 and has represented this district since redistricting in 2023. Panetta has an overall VoteSee report card grade of B, voted in 100% of roll-call votes on bills this Congress, and votes with the Democratic majority 96% of the time. The district includes San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Seaside. It takes in all or part of 4 counties; the most populous parts are in Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County. About 745,000 people live in the district, and the median household income is $126,610.

Current Representative

Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) has served in the House since 2017 and has represented California's 19th Congressional District since redistricting in 2023.

VoteSee report card grade: B
Attendance in the 119th Congress: 100% of roll-call votes on bills
Votes with the Democrat majority: 96%

See Jimmy Panetta's full voting record and issue positions →

2026 Election

U.S. House: California 19th District

Winner: Jimmy Panetta.

Incumbent Jimmy Panetta is running for re-election. 2 candidates were on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot.

California uses a top-two primary, so the two November candidates can be from the same party.

Jimmy Panetta (Democratic), incumbent: raised $3.6M, $5.5M cash on hand; VoteSee report card B; 100% attendance; votes with the Democratic majority 96% of the time
Peter Coe Verbica (Republican): raised $86K, $7K cash on hand

Polls: No public polls

See the full 2026 race →

District Demographics

Population: 745,177
Median household income: $126,610
Median age: 42
Median home value: $1,106,200
Bachelor's degree or higher: 47.9%

Source: American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, 119th Congress boundaries.

How Panetta Voted Recently

No on Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1013) to amend the Federal securities laws to enhance 403(b) plans, and for other purposes. (Nov 10, 2026) — Passed
Yea on American Enrichment Deployment Act (Nov 9, 2026) — Passed
Yea on Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act (Nov 9, 2026) — Passed
Yea on Retire through Ownership Act (Sep 16, 2026) — Passed
Yea on Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (Sep 16, 2026) — Passed

Breaks with the Democrat majority

Yea on Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (Sep 16, 2026) — Passed
Yea on Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 (Sep 3, 2026) — Passed
Yea on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act (Jul 23, 2026) — Passed

Who Held This Seat Before

Members of Congress who previously represented California's 19th Congressional District. District lines are redrawn after each census, so earlier members may have represented a different area under this number.

Zoe Lofgren — Democrat (2013–2023)
Jeff Denham — Republican (2011–2013)
George Radanovich — Republican (1995–2011)
Richard Lehman — Democrat (1993–1995)
Robert Lagomarsino — Republican (1975–1993)
Chester Holifield — Democrat (1943–1975)
Harry Sheppard — Democrat (1937–1943)
Samuel Collins — Republican (1933–1937)

Where the District Is

California's 19th Congressional District covers 2,817 square miles of land. Boundaries are for the current (119th) Congress.

Counties

Santa Clara County (part): 38% of residents
Santa Cruz County (part): 27% of residents
Monterey County (part): 22% of residents
San Luis Obispo County (part): 13% of residents

Largest communities

San Jose (part)
Santa Cruz
Seaside
El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles)
Monterey
Atascadero
Marina
Live Oak