SANTA ANA, CA — — May 29, 2026
Lisa Ramirez, candidate for California’s 40th Congressional District, has bridged the political divide, garnering more cross-party support than any other candidate in the crowded field. With the June primary on Tuesday, the Ramirez campaign has built an “army” of hundreds of volunteers—a group that includes a steadfast Democratic base alongside a surprising number of Republican and independent voters.
This cross-party coalition sets Ramirez apart from her opponents, including incumbent Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim. While political experts have labeled CA-40 as a safe Republican seat, current data suggests a shift in voter sentiment. President Trump’s approval rating in the district has dipped to 37.7%, with Republicans comprising only 40% of all registered voters, opening a clear path for a candidate who can reach beyond traditional party silos. Internal polling of 1,800 voters–including 500 registered Republican and independent voters—suggests a path to the Top 2 for Ramirez with 23% to 25% of voter support in the crowded race.
“We are uniting across socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and political party lines,” said Lisa Ramirez.
“Our movement is proof that money isn’t speech and corporations are not people. When we prioritize neighbor-to-neighbor conversations over expensive ad buys, we build a community that cannot be bought.”
Ramirez’s grassroots momentum is matched by overwhelming support from the Democratic base. She has secured a minimum of 70% of the vote from every Democratic Club whose members vote in the endorsement process. Despite being the last to enter the race, Ramirez earned 52% of the delegate vote–more support than the other two Democratic candidates combined–at the California Democratic Party Convention, representing over 160,000 registered voters in the District. The Ramirez campaign strategy focuses on “people-power,” prioritizing door-to-door engagement and local relationships over the 7-figure budgets of the opposition. Ramirez, a certified immigration law specialist, has a long track record of service, recently earning national attention for defeating ICE in court to secure the release of a local father of 3 U.S. Marines.
“Voters are looking for leaders who don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk,” Ramirez stated. “This campaign is not about me; it is about ‘We.’ We are fighting for the heart of this country, rooted in love and service to our neighbors.”
With absentee ballots reaching over 465,000 voters, the Ramirez campaign continues to expand its volunteer-led efforts through Election Day in cities across the district, spanning Anaheim Hills south to Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch east to Menifee, and north again from Murrieta to Corona.
About Lisa Ramirez
Lisa Ramirez is a Democratic candidate for Congress in CA-40. An immigration attorney and public servant, she has spent over 25 years protecting survivors of human trafficking, defending the rights of veterans, and ensuring local municipalities meet affordable housing obligations. She is the only candidate endorsed by elected officials at every level of government from Capitol Hill to City Hall.
The internal poll (95% confidence, 2-3% margin of error) was conducted between March 1 – May 25th and utilized closed-ended prompts with a three-point categorical scale to capture voter preferences.