California primary election 2024: Meet the candidates for 26th Congressional District
The Democrat incumbent representing the 26th Congressional District will face off with three challengers for the seat in the March 5 primary.
Rep. Julia Brownley of Westlake Village will be up against fellow Democrat Chris Anstead, an Agoura Hills City Councilman and Army veteran; and Republicans Bruce Boyer, a Chatsworth Lake Manor businessman and dancer, and businessman and healthcare investigator Michael Koslow.
The district includes about 760,000 residents most of them in Ventura County and in parts of Los Angeles County, including Agoura Hills and Calabasas.
The top two vote-getters in the primary will progress to the Nov. 5 general election.
The Star asked the candidates to answer an online questionnaire. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Chris Anstead
Occupation: Agoura Hills City Councilmember, former biotech marketing executive
Age: 58
Party affiliation: Democrat
Residence: Agoura Hills
Public service: Agoura Hills Planning Commission, 2014 to 2015; Agoura Hills City Councilmember, 2018 to present; mayor 2022 to 2023, and mayor pro tem from 2021 to 2022
Postsecondary education: Bachelor of science, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; master of business administration, Cornell University; juris doctor, University of Florida
Campaign website: ChrisAnstead.com
Share up to three top campaign issues: Economic growth, safety and security, and protect personal freedoms
In 100 words or less, explain your reason for running office: It would be my honor to serve as your Congressional representative for our amazing District 26. As a father, veteran, longtime resident, councilmember and former mayor, public service has always been at the center of my life. I am running for Congress to revitalize our district and bring meaningful change to ensure a strong, inclusive and thriving community. If elected, I will fight to protect your rights, ensure the safety of our community and attract high-paying jobs and innovation to our district. The fight for freedom, safety and opportunity begins by voting Chris for Congress.
Julia Brownley
Occupation: Member of U.S. House of Representatives
Age: 71
Party affiliation: Democrat
Residence: Westlake Village
Public Service: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education 1994-2006; California State Assembly 2006-2012; U.S. House of Representatives, 2013-present
Postsecondary education: Bachelor of arts, Mount Vernon College, now the George Washington University; master of business administration, American University
Campaign Website: JuliaBrownley.com
Share up to three top campaign issues: Protect a woman’s right to choose, lower costs for working families and protect our democracy and the integrity of our elections
In 100 words or less, explain your reason for running office: I’ve worked to protect reproductive healthcare, lower childcare costs, provide funding to our public schools and make college more affordable, and make critical investments in our infrastructure. I played a key role in authoring legislation that made historic climate investments and is creating millions of good-paying jobs. I secured funding for the new Veterans Affairs clinic that is providing significantly more services for our veterans closer to home. I remain focused on helping the middle-class succeed by lowering prescription drug costs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and providing critical resources for our region’s small businesses. I’m running to continue to deliver for the people who call Ventura County home.
Bruce Boyer
Occupation: Businessman and dancer
Age: 62
Political affiliation: Republican
Residence: Chatsworth Lake Manor
Public service: none
Postsecondary education: Agricultural school, also known as Cow College
Campaign website: BruceBoyerforCongress.com
Share up to three top campaign issues: Balance the budget, restore our liberties and uphold and enforce the law at the border.
In 100 words or less, explain your reason for running office: To save the country from financial collapse caused by $34 trillion of debt; keep us out of World War III as Ukraine is not our war; and restore our liberties.
Michael Koslow
Occupation: Investigations consultant/business owner
Age: 63
Political affiliation: Republican
Residence: Westlake Village
Public service: California National Guard, 2009-2011; Enlisted Field Advisory Council to the National Guard Bureau Chief/U.S., 2009-2011; USAF/Department of Defense supervisory special agent, 1991-2014
Postsecondary education: Applied associate degree in science electronics, Community College of the Air Force; Bachelor of administration in criminal justice, Chapman University; master of public administration from Georgetown University; doctor of education from University of Southern California.
Campaign website: VoteMichaelKoslow.com
Share up to three top campaign issues: Economic prosperity, community and national safety and core educational values.
In 100 words or less, explain your reason for running office: It has been an honor and privilege to work in the public and national interest for over several decades and to serve as your Congressional representative. As a father, grandfather, veteran, national small business leader and senior military leader within the government and private sectors, I've tackled challenges in our communities and around the world safeguarding Americans. I am running for Congress to provide the necessary leadership to rein in rampant inflation and unbridled spending, community lawlessness, unaccountable foreign spending, cascading border issues, and common-sense education. I am a results-oriented leader. Vote for Michael Koslow for a proven leader.
California primary election 2024 information
Primary election voting officially began on Feb. 5, when the county registrar sent vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters and opened up early voting at the county government center. Voting will continue through March 5.
By mail: Submit your mail-in ballot in a mailbox between Feb. 5 - March 5.
Drop off: Drop off your mail-in ballot at a county voting center or in one of the county's 38 official ballot drop boxes between Feb. 5 - March 5.
In person: The county will open 11 voting centers for in person voting beginning Feb. 24, then open all 52 from March 2-5. Hours for all centers are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Election Day, when they run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Early in person: Vote early in-person beginning Feb. 5 at the Ventura County Elections Division office on the bottom floor of the county's Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.
Voter registration deadlines: Online or through mail by Feb. 20 and in person only from Feb. 21-March 5.
Check registration status: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
Learn more: venturavote.org
Latest election news: vcstar.com/elections
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Primary 2024: Meet 26th Congressional District candidates
