In a rematch from the 2020 election, Democratic Rep. Mike Levin and Republican Brian Maryott, a former Wells Fargo executive, are vying to represent a coastal congressional district that straddles Orange and San Diego counties.
The race is one of 11 key California contests in the Nov. 8 midterm election that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Important issues in the district include veterans’ services, the environment and nuclear waste .
These answers are drawn from a questionnaire sent to candidates in competitive California congressional races. The responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Why should voters chose you? Levin higher costs at the gas pump and grocery store, and I am focused on real solutions. I helped pass legislation to lower gas prices by cracking down on price gouging by Big Oil, and I also helped pass legislation to lower food costs, fix supply chains and make more goods in America.Maryott
What about your experiences make you most qualified? Levin Maryott
What would be your top legislative priorities? Levin combating climate change and growing our clean energy economy, strengthening benefits and services for veterans and their families, and safely removing the nuclear waste from San Onofre. I have made progress on all three priorities, and I will continue fighting to build on that progress.”Maryott inflation and high gas prices are their No. 1 concern. Reining in out-of-control government spending, unleashing the potential of American energy independence and expanding opportunities for small businesses and tax relief for middle-class families are at the top of my agenda.”
Should there be federal protection for abortion access, or should such decisions be left to the states? Levin Maryott reversal of Roe vs. Wade , he tweeted: “Today was a historic day on the Supreme Court. The unconstitutional reign of judicially imposed federal law on abortion has ended, and the debate now returns to the states and their elected representatives.”
On the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and the House select committee investigating it: Levin Maryott
What is the federal government’s role in trying to stop mass shootings, and what policies would you pursue? Levin Bipartisan Safer Communities Act , which includes red flag laws and closes the “boyfriend loophole” for domestic violence abusers among other things. But he said more must be done. “The vast majority of Americans support House-passed legislation to implement universal background checks, outlaw high-capacity magazines and more. I have also introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce gun violence — including suicide and accidental shootings — by providing a modest tax credit for retailers to incentivize the sale of safe storage devices for firearms.”Maryott
What is your opinion about efforts to overhaul police funding? Levin Maryott
Would you try to modify the Affordable Care Act? How would you tackle prescription drug costs? Levin Maryott
On immigration, border security and a path to citizenship. Levin Maryott
What is the federal government’s role in dealing with the homelessness crisis, and what policies would you pursue? Levin Maryott
