Tyler Vandenberg for Congress in 2026

Tyler Vandenberg for Congress

“California deserves a representative who listens, serves, and fights for the people and places we love.”

Tyler Vandenberg is a Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and lifelong Californian. He is running for Congress to defend the California that inspired him: a state of incredible landscapes, resilient communities, and shared opportunity. When Washington politicians attack California’s values – from public lands to democracy itself – Tyler believes it is time for leaders who will push back and build something better.

Biography

Tyler grew up working multiple jobs in the Bay Area just to cover rent before earning admission to American University in Washington, DC. While in school he worked to support global human rights and democracy initiatives, then pursued his lifelong goal of military service by commissioning as a Marine Corps officer in 2018. Initially trained as one of the Corps’ few tank officers, Tyler later transitioned to intelligence as the service modernized. He served in California, Virginia, Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, and spent nearly two years at United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany, where he saw firsthand the importance of American alliances.

After returning stateside, Tyler used his GI Bill to complete a Master in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Outraged by GOP proposals to strip protections from public lands, cut firefighters, threaten healthcare, and undermine democracy, he decided to come home and run for Congress. He calls himself “a Democrat who fights, a Congressman who listens,” committed to earning the trust of every resident in California’s 3rd District.

Issues

Protecting Public Lands and Environmental Heritage

California’s mountains, forests, and coastline are central to our identity and economy. Tyler will defend them against privatization and pollution.

Priorities

• Block efforts to sell off national forests or public lands to corporate interests.
• Increase funding for wildland firefighters, park rangers, and conservation programs.
• Accelerate climate resilience projects that safeguard communities from wildfire, drought, and extreme weather.
• Expand access to outdoor recreation while respecting tribal nations and cultural heritage.

Strengthening Democracy and Standing with Allies

Tyler has seen up close how fragile democracy can be – at home and abroad. He will fight to ensure America leads with integrity.

Priorities

• Protect voting rights, stop partisan gerrymandering, and secure elections from foreign interference.
• Defend the U.S. Postal Service and keep it public, accessible, and reliable.
• Honor commitments to NATO and global partners, using American leadership to deter aggression and strengthen alliances.
• Support veterans and servicemembers with healthcare, housing, and transition assistance that matches their sacrifice.

Building an Affordable, Opportunity-Filled California

Families in the Sierra, the Sacramento Valley, and across District 3 deserve a voice fighting to make life more affordable and sustainable.

Priorities

• Lower housing costs by investing in workforce housing, infrastructure, and smart growth that preserves open space.
• Expand broadband, transit, and clean energy jobs that keep young talent in the region.
• Protect and improve Medicare and Medicaid instead of cutting coverage for seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
• Support small farms and local businesses with fair trade, access to credit, and disaster relief when fire or floods strike.

Forward Together

Tyler Vandenberg believes California can be both bold and compassionate – a state that leads the nation by example. In Congress he will listen first, fight hard, and never forget who he serves: the people and communities of California’s 3rd District.

No part of this biography or campaign should be construed as an endorsement by the United States Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, or any other part of the U.S. government. The Department of Defense and the United States Marine Corps do not approve, endorse, or authorize this campaign.