Tessa Lynn Hodge Congressional Candidate in CA-23

Lake Los Angeles, CA.- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Tessa Lynn Hodge has entered the 2026 race for California’s 23rd Congressional District, pledging to bring “accountable, people-centered leadership” to Washington.

A lifelong resident of the district, Hodge has spent nearly a decade serving vulnerable populations across the High Desert and surrounding rural communities. Her work has focused on children in foster care and students with mental health needs. Hodge also worked with San Bernardino County to help integrate federal and state legislation into county-level policy.

“I’m running to break the status quo,” Hodge said. “Our families deserve a representative who understands the real challenges we face every day and knows how to bring people together to solve them.”

Hodge’s campaign is centered on four key issues: affordable and accessible healthcare, creating good local jobs, tackling housing affordability, and advancing humane immigration reform. She said her platform was shaped by her experience as a social worker and small business owner, as well as by her background in a union family.

Supporters point to her policy background and community roots as strengths. The district covers much of San Bernardino County, including underserved rural and desert communities that Hodge says are often overlooked in federal policy.

“Tessa knows how to turn policy into real help for real people,” one campaign statement read. “She’ll be a strong, authentic voice for the High Desert in Congress.”

The 23rd District seat will be on the ballot in the June primary 2026 election.

SHORT BIO

Tessa Lynn Hodge is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a small business owner, a lifelong resident of California’s 23rd Congressional District, and a proud member of a union family. She is running for Congress to address key issues like the soaring costs of living and access to affordable healthcare through practical policy solutions. Tessa knows how to bring people together to solve real problems and will be a strong, authentic voice for constituents across the High Desert and surrounding rural communities.

Top Issues:

• Healthcare access & affordability

• Jobs and livable wages

• Housing affordability

• Humane immigration policy

• Environmental protection

ENDORSEMENTS (SELECT)

California Democratic Party

California Young Democrats

Teamster Local 1932

Dr. Corey Jackson, Assemblymember, CA-AD 60

Southern California Armenian Democrats

Randall Putz, Mayor of Big Bear Lake

Ulises Cabrera, Mayor of Moreno Valley

Democrats of the Morongo Basin

Democratic Club of Big Bear Valley

High Desert Progressive Democrats

Redlands Area Democratic Club

Alan Vargas, Immigrants Rights Organizer

Alexis Claiborne, Community Activist and former CA-23 Candidate

Joe Salas, DNC Member

Sarah Gardam-Thomas, First Vice Chair for the San Bernardino County Democratic

Central Committee

Tariq Azim, California Democratic Party Region 16 Director

Denise Latanzi, LA County Democratic Party AD 34 Chair

San Bernardino County Young Democrats

Clarissa Cervantes, Riverside City Council Member

Want to know about her more visit her website here