An Advocate, Not a Politician
Samantha Mota is framing her 2026 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives as a clear choice between a community servant and a career politician. A 27-year-old mother and progressive Democrat, Mota is running to represent California's 37th Congressional District, positioning herself as an outsider whose political journey began not in established party circles but in local activism. She emphasizes that her experience comes from organizing within her community, fighting for causes like climate action and public safety reform. Born in September 1998 and raised in a low-income, single-parent household in Los Angeles County, she speaks openly about her family's reliance on programs like WIC and SNAP, which she says gives her a firsthand understanding
of the economic struggles facing many residents of the district. This background is central to her political identity and the core message of her grassroots, people-powered campaign.
From Local Activism to a Council Run
Mota's interest in politics and social justice was sparked in high school and solidified at Santa Monica College, where she studied political science. Feeling she could do more outside the classroom, she joined Climate Action Santa Monica, a grassroots organization focused on environmental solutions. Her early activism also included championing urban gardening initiatives. Her public service career took a significant step in January 2021 when she was appointed a commissioner on Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission, a role tasked with reviewing police policies. Her community work was recognized in October 2021 when she received the "Premio de Orgullo Award" from the City of Santa Monica's Hispanic Heritage Month Committee. A year later, in 2022, she made her first bid for public office, running for the Santa Monica City Council before launching her current congressional campaign.
The 2026 Congressional Campaign
In 2026, Samantha Mota is taking on her most ambitious challenge yet. After advancing from the top-two primary on June 2, 2026, she is now the Democratic challenger in the general election for California's 37th Congressional District, facing incumbent Sydney Kamlager-Dove. Her campaign finance records reflect a grassroots effort, with modest fundraising totals compared to established incumbents, reinforcing her message of being a community-funded candidate rather than one backed by special interests. She argues that the district has been neglected and that its residents need a representative who is more present and engaged with the needs of the neighborhoods. Her campaign slogan, "For the people, by the people," encapsulates her appeal to voters who feel overlooked by the current political leadership.
A Platform for Systemic Change
Mota's policy platform is rooted in her progressive ideology and activist background. Universal healthcare is a top priority; she advocates for a system that provides equitable coverage to all without causing financial hardship. On immigration, she calls for comprehensive reform focused on humanitarian protections, including ending for-profit detention centers, expanding alternatives to detention, and creating clear pathways to citizenship. Her economic agenda centers on supporting working-class families and small businesses. She supports raising the corporate tax rate, expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and increasing the federal minimum wage. Furthermore, she has pledged to advocate for direct federal funding for community-based projects to improve local infrastructure and resilience, arguing that these investments are crucial for the well-being and quality of life for all residents.
