U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), who has represented California’s 26th Congressional District for 14 years, announced on January 8, 2026, that she will not seek re-election in the upcoming midterm cycle, becoming the latest in a growing wave of House members opting to step aside.
Brownley, 73, made the announcement in a lengthy statement reflecting on her service since first winning election in 2012. “Serving our community and our country has been the honor of my lifetime,” she said. “Every step of this journey has been shaped by the people I represent, by their resilience, their determination, and their belief that government can and should work for the common good.”
The Westlake Village Democrat highlighted key accomplishments during her tenure, including efforts to expand access to affordable health care, strengthen support for veterans and military families, protect natural resources, and address the climate crisis. She noted particular pride in legislation supporting women veterans, such as the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the Deborah Sampson Act.
Brownley added, “We have helped thousands of constituents navigate the federal government, returned millions in earned benefits, and never lost sight of the simple truth that public service is about showing up for people when they need help the most.” With one year remaining in her current term, she pledged to continue working on behalf of her constituents in Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County.
The announcement comes amid a broader wave of congressional retirements. Brownley is the 46th House member overall — and the second California Democrat — to declare she will not run again in 2026.
Her district, which encompasses most of Ventura County and portions of Los Angeles County, including communities like Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, and Camarillo, has long been a Democratic stronghold. It became even safer for Democrats following the passage of Proposition 50 in November 2025. The voter-approved measure authorized the state Legislature to draw new congressional maps as a direct counter to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas, resulting in more favorable lines for Democrats in several California districts.
Brownley expressed optimism about the future despite current political challenges. “Despite the immense challenges we are currently facing, I remain deeply optimistic about the future of our country,” she said. “The American experiment has endured not because it is perfect, but because generations of Americans continue to believe in it and work to make it more just, more equal, and more reflective of those it serves.”
She also voiced strong confidence in House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating she was “particularly pleased” to leave Congress with him positioned to potentially become Speaker if Democrats regain control of the chamber. “I am confident that he will lead Congress with integrity, with purpose, with resolve, and with a clear vision for the future,” Brownley said.
Jeffries responded with a statement praising his colleague. “Congresswoman Julia Brownley is a principled public servant and an incredible advocate for the communities that she so ably represents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties,” he said. He highlighted her work on behalf of veterans, service members, and military families, particularly women veterans. “Rep. Brownley will be missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her and her family the very best in this new chapter.”
Within hours of the announcement, potential successors began to emerge. California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), whose district overlaps significantly with Brownley’s, quickly signaled strong interest. “I am the most obvious person to run for that seat,” Irwin told reporters. She has since launched an active campaign for the seat, emphasizing her background as an engineer, former mayor of Thousand Oaks, and longtime advocate for the region.
Brownley’s departure marks the end of a congressional career that began after service in the California State Assembly. Known for a focus on local issues, veterans’ affairs, environmental protection, and women’s issues, she has maintained a solidly progressive voting record while maintaining strong ties to her suburban district.
Analysts expect the newly drawn CA-26 to remain firmly in Democratic hands under California’s top-two primary system, setting the stage for what is likely to be a competitive Democratic primary in 2026.
