Julia Brownley, a California Democrat who has represented the state’s 26th Congressional District for 14 years, announced on January 8, 2026, that she will not seek re-election in November.
Brownley, 73, made the announcement in a statement reflecting on her service, calling it “the honor of my lifetime.” She highlighted the resilience of her constituents in Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address issues ranging from healthcare access to veterans’ support.
“Serving our community and our country has been the honor of my lifetime,” Brownley 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.”
During her tenure, Brownley focused on expanding affordable healthcare, strengthening veterans’ programs, protecting natural resources, and addressing climate change. She played a leading role in passing legislation such as the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the Deborah Sampson Act, which aimed to improve support for women who served in the military.
Brownley, first elected in 2012, has built a solidly liberal voting record and maintained strong support in a district redrawn after the 2020 census to favor Democrats. The seat, which includes most of Ventura County and portions of the Conejo Valley, is considered safely Democratic heading into the 2026 midterms.
In her statement, Brownley expressed optimism about the nation’s future despite current challenges. “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 said. She added that she was “particularly pleased” to leave the House with Hakeem Jeffries positioned as a potential Speaker, stating confidence in his leadership should Democrats regain control of the chamber.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Brownley’s service in a statement released the following day.
“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,” Jeffries said. He specifically commended her work on behalf of veterans and military families. “Rep. Brownley will be missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her and her family the very best in this new chapter.”
Brownley’s decision contributes to a significant wave of retirements in the House ahead of the 2026 elections. As of late May 2026, more than 50 House members from both parties had announced they would not seek re-election, marking one of the higher turnover cycles in recent decades.
Within hours of Brownley’s announcement, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) declared her candidacy for the seat, describing herself as the “most obvious person to run.” Irwin, who has Brownley’s endorsement, advanced from the June 2026 top-two primary and is heavily favored to win the safely Democratic district in November.
Brownley did not cite a specific reason for stepping down but emphasized her commitment to continue serving effectively through the remainder of her term. “With another year remaining in my term, I will continue working every day to deliver results for our region,” she said.
A former local elected official and longtime advocate on education and environmental issues before entering Congress, Brownley represented a district that balances suburban communities, agricultural interests, and coastal concerns. Her departure closes a chapter for one of the more experienced members of California’s Democratic delegation in the House.
Political observers view the open seat as unlikely to change partisan hands, allowing Democrats to focus resources elsewhere in what is expected to be a competitive national midterm environment.
Brownley concluded her statement on a forward-looking note: “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in that work, and I know we will learn from this moment in time how to shore up our democracy to make it even stronger for the generations that will follow.”
