Your guide to California’s Congressional District 26 race: Rep. Julia Brownley vs. Matt Jacobs

Brownley said she sympathizes with the struggle many Americans are facing economically, and she pointed to recent Democratic legislative successes that could ease the burden, including an annual out-of-pocket spending cap of $2,000 on prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries as well as a $35 monthly cap for insulin for those on Medicare.

If Democrats retain control of Congress, Brownley said, they would fight for policies such as paid family leave and extending the enhanced child tax credit that expired at the end of 2021.

Jacobs said he believes inflation is caused by unsustainable spending. He said he supports legislation such as neighboring GOP Rep. Mike Garcia’s Inflation Prevention Act, which would bar new spending deemed likely to increase inflation, at least until the national inflation rate dropped below 4.5%,

He also said he would seek to increase domestic energy production. When asked whether he would support new offshore drilling off California’s coast, he said he favored an “all-of-the-above” approach.

“Our abundant domestic supply is cheaper. It’s cleaner. Importantly, it would result in more blue-collar jobs right here in the community,” Jacobs said.