By Sara Beth Williams–
The race for Congress is heating up as multiple candidates have stepped up to run to represent District 6, including the mayor of West Sacramento, the Sacramento County District Attorney, and current US Representative Kevin Kiley.
The Sacramento County office of the Secretary of State released a finalized list of qualified candidates who are running for Congressional District 6, including:
- Lauren Babb Tomlinson, a woman’s health executive is running as a Democrat. See Tomlinson’s bio here.
- Martha Guerrero, Mayor of West Sacramento, and a social worker, is running as a Democrat. See Guerrero’s bio here.
- Thien Ho, Sacramento County District attorney, is running as a Democrat. See Ho’s bio here.
- Richard Pan, a physician, health advocate, and former state senator, is running as a Democrat. See Dr. Pan’s bio here.
- Tyler Vandenberg, running as Democrat. See Vandenberg’s bio here.
- Michael Stansfield, an Applications Engineer and author, is running as a Republican. No campaign website or photo were available.
- Kevin Kiley, currently a Republican U.S. Representative for District 3, filed to run in District 6 under no party preference. See Kiley’s bio here.
California’s congressional districts were redrawn last year following approval of new district maps under Proposition 50. Many of them favor Democratic candidates, in response to legislators in Texas redrawing their own district maps to favor Republican candidates. The redrawn maps were approved by California voters during an emergency election held on Nov. 4, 2025.
Congressional District 6 previously included Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, North Natomas, Rancho Cordova, and South Natomas.
The revised District 6 expands farther into Placer County, adding Roseville and Rocklin while removing Rancho Cordova and Rancho Murieta.
Each district throughout the state will continue to contain roughly the same population of roughly 760,000 to 770,000 residents. Congressional candidate and local businessman Ray Riehle said that the new boundaries could make it more difficult for candidates and elected officials to engage with constituents.
Related: Prop 50 shifts Citrus Heights’ congressional district – Citrus Heights Sentinel
The new congressional boundaries will be used by voters during the June 2026 primary and November 2026 general elections but will not officially take effect until January 2027, when the 120th U.S. Congress is sworn in, Riehle said.
The California state primary election is scheduled to take place on June 2, 2026. County elections offices will begin mailing ballots by May 4 and ballot drop-off locations are expected to open beginning May 5.
Residents can compare the current District 6 map with the new map here.
