United States Representative, District 39

Mark Takano represents this district in Congress. He grew up in Riverside. His grandparents and parents were interned as Japanese Americans during World War Two. They later rebuilt their lives there. He taught high school in the Rialto Unified School District starting in 1988. He then served on the Riverside Community College board, and became its president in 1991. In 2012 he became the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress.

His campaign frames his run as continuing three decades of service to the district. It does not state a new reason for running. He chaired, and is now ranking member of, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He wrote a law expanding VA health care for veterans exposed to burn pits. Congress passed it in 2022.

He promises to keep fighting for veterans, workers and LGBTQ+ rights. He also lists public education and civic engagement in the Inland Empire among his priorities. His campaign highlights voter registration efforts as part of that work.

Steve Manos owns a business in the Inland Empire. He has lived there since 1987. He was elected to the Lake Elsinore City Council in 2012. He has served as mayor across four terms, most recently in 2026, according to his campaign. He also holds director roles with regional groups working on habitat conservation and transportation planning.

He says it is time to take on bigger challenges. He says he has already made change in his hometown. Beyond his campaign's own materials, independent coverage of his record in local office could not be located.

He promises to protect parental rights and national security. He also promises to keep housing affordable by limiting investors from buying up residential property. He promises funding for repairs on the 215 freeway. He backs more regional transportation capacity and continued support for veterans.