Indian-American Physician Dr. Sonia Devgan-Kacker Enters Race for California’s 26th Congressional District: An Indian-born physician and longtime community leader has entered the race for one of California’s most closely watched congressional seats. Sonia Devgan-Kacker, a board-certified family physician and small business owner, is seeking the Democratic nomination for California’s 26th Congressional District.
The seat, which covers much of Ventura County, opened following the retirement announcement of longtime Congresswoman Julia Brownley, setting the stage for a highly competitive election cycle.
Dr. Devgan-Kacker’s candidacy is rooted in her personal journey as an immigrant and healthcare provider. Born in India and raised in the United States, she represents a growing wave of Indian-American professionals stepping into public service. She completed her undergraduate education at Stanford University before earning her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine.
For over 26 years, she has run Westlake Village Urgent Care and Occupational & Family Medical Clinic, a practice that has handled more than 200,000 patient visits. Her experience as both a physician and employer forms the cornerstone of her campaign message.
“After 26 years serving this community, it’s time for this doctor to make a ‘House Call’ to Washington,” Devgan-Kacker said, framing her campaign as a natural extension of her medical career.
Healthcare Meets Economic Policy
Positioning herself at the intersection of healthcare and economic reform, Devgan-Kacker argues that her firsthand experience gives her a unique perspective on policy challenges. She has been vocal about the increasing influence of private equity in healthcare and the burden of regulatory costs on small businesses.
“When Congress writes healthcare laws, physicians should have a seat at the table to ensure policies work for patients and communities in the real world,” she said.
The 26th District itself represents a diverse economic landscape, blending agriculture, aerospace innovation, and technology industries. Devgan-Kacker emphasizes that her years as a small business owner have given her insight into the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.
Local Roots and Community Focus
A resident of Thousand Oaks, Devgan-Kacker raised her two children in the community, where they attended public schools. She also maintains academic affiliations as a clinical educator with leading institutions, including University of California, Los Angeles and University of Southern California.
Wildfire preparedness is another key issue in her campaign, reflecting the realities of life in Ventura County. Like many residents, she says she keeps an evacuation bag ready—a symbol of the increasing urgency around climate resilience in the region.
A Competitive Race Ahead
The contest for California’s 26th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention nationally. As an open seat during a presidential election cycle, the race has already attracted multiple Democratic contenders, while Republicans are aiming to flip a district that has remained under Democratic control for more than a decade.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, setting the stage for what could become one of California’s most closely followed political battles.
As the campaign unfolds, Devgan-Kacker’s blend of medical expertise, business experience, and immigrant narrative may resonate strongly with voters seeking practical, community-driven leadership in Washington.
