Meet the candidates for California’s 52nd Congressional District: Q&A with Rep. Juan Vargas

Six-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Juan Vargas is running for re-election to his seat representing southern San Diego and South County. Prior to his election to Congress, he spent time on the San Diego City Council, in the state Assembly and Senate and as an insurance executive.

To help inform voters, the San Diego Union-Tribune asked all the candidates a series of the same questions about their priorities, positions and campaigns. Their emailed answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?

I am running to continue the important work of addressing the needs of the 52nd District of California. My proven track record of delivering resources for the district — including securing $300 million to help address the Tijuana River sewage — make me the best candidate. As a senior member of the Financial Services Committee in Congress, I am able to lead efforts to harness market forces to address the modern existential threat of climate change. I have the knowledge, experience and record of working across the aisle in Congress that the voters of the 52nd expect of their representative.

What are the top 3 issues facing this district and California generally?

The top three issues facing the 52nd District are the Tijuana River Valley emergency, the lack of affordable housing and homelessness and the need for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS (temporary protected status) holders and farm workers.

(Juan Vargas for Congress)

Each of these challenges is important to the people of South San Diego. Homelessness and climate change are additional challenges facing the 52nd District and the state.

What are the first 3 things you would do in your next term in Congress?

My top three priorities are continuing to fight to secure resources to address the Tijuana River Valley environmental emergency, passing comprehensive immigration reform to fix our broken system and ensuring the federal government does it part to make housing more affordable for the residents of the 52nd District.

In a divided Congress, passing legislation means working across the aisle. I am committed to putting people over politics and continuing to work across the aisle to get things done.

What would you do to curb climate change and its effects on California?

As the founder and leader of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus, I have led efforts in Congress to require companies to create and disclose the impact that their company policies have on the environment and climate change.

I support the Green New Deal and voted to support it in Congress. I also voted for President Biden’s infrastructure package, which provided the largest investment in green energy solutions in the history of the United States. My public votes and advocacy of these policies and resources demonstrate my commitment to addressing climate change.

Politics

2024 primary Q&As: Meet the candidates for California’s 52nd Congressional District

The San Diego Union-Tribune asked Rep. Juan Vargas and his challenger Justin Lee where they stand on key issues. Here’s what they said.

How should U.S. migration and asylum policy change, what should guide it, and what specifically will you pursue in Congress?

We need comprehensive immigration reform to fix our border and protect refugees and asylum seekers. As the proud son of Mexican immigrants who came to this country seeking better opportunities, I will continue to work across the aisle to address this challenge with dignity, grace and common humanity.

Our country was built by immigrants, we continue to depend on immigrants for economic growth and it is a major pillar of stability for our nation. In particular, we must pass U.S. Citizenship Act and extend a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers, temporary protected status holders, farm workers and the millions of undocumented immigrants who call this country home. We must also continue to work with our allies across the globe to address and solve the root causes of global migration.

What is your stance on the war in Gaza, and on U.S. involvement in and support of it?

I support Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself. I also support President Biden and Secretary Antony Blinken’s efforts to end the war in Gaza and protect innocent, civilian lives.

Hamas’ horrible attack on innocent people must not be allowed to stand. I have called on Hamas to return all hostages immediately and stop using civilians as human shields, which prolongs the suffering of its own people.

I support the administration’s efforts to send Gaza humanitarian aid in a manner that ensures Hamas cannot steal supplies and then use them for war purposes.

Would you support federal statutory restrictions on, or protections of, abortion rights? Which, and to what extent?

I believe the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade was a monumental error in judgment that removed a fundamental right for women in America. We must reinstate Roe and restore a woman’s right to make decisions about her body.

Would you support or oppose stricter federal gun laws and background checks? Which, and to what extent?

I strongly support passing gun safety legislation to reduce gun violence in America. I have voted to ban assault weapons and to provide funding for gun violence research.

I support strict background checks for gun owners, the elimination of civilian ownership of large-capacity magazines and banning ghost guns. I also support red flag laws that temporarily remove guns from homes where people have documented mental health or domestic violence issues. Americans have a Second Amendment right, but as elected leaders, we can and should pass laws that make our country safer.