San Ramon Valley High grad running for Swalwell's Congressional seat

Matt Ortega announces campaign for California's 14th Congressional District.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Progressive activist and longtime community organizer Matt Ortega, a San Ramon Valley High graduate, has announced his candidacy for California's 14th Congressional District. Ortega, 41, was born in Oakland and grew up in Hayward before attending San Ramon Valley High School.

Why it matters

This race will determine the representative for California's 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Ortega's candidacy presents a progressive challenger to the incumbent, Eric Swalwell, who has held the seat since 2013.

The details

Ortega has pledged to fight for "a future we can afford — and the freedom to live it." As a community organizer, Ortega has advocated for affordable housing, workers' rights, and environmental justice issues.

  • Ortega announced his candidacy on February 7, 2026.

The players

Matt Ortega

A 41-year-old progressive activist and longtime community organizer who is running for California's 14th Congressional District.

Eric Swalwell

The incumbent representative for California's 14th Congressional District, who has held the seat since 2013.

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The takeaway

Ortega's candidacy presents a progressive challenge to the incumbent Swalwell, who has represented the 14th Congressional District since 2013. Ortega's focus on affordable housing, workers' rights, and environmental justice issues could resonate with voters in the district.