Dr. Sonia Devgan-Kacker, a Ventura County physician and small business owner, is vying for the Democratic nomination for California’s 26th Congressional District following the retirement of Rep. Julia Brownley.
Dr. Sonia Devgan-Kacker, a board-certified family physician and small business owner, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for California’s 26th Congressional District. This seat has become open due to the retirement of longtime incumbent Rep. Julia Brownley.
Born in India, Devgan-Kacker’s journey embodies the narrative of academic achievement and community service that is prevalent among the Indian American diaspora. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University and earned her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine.
For over 26 years, she has operated Westlake Village Urgent Care and Occupational & Family Medical Clinic, a practice that has seen more than 200,000 patient visits. Devgan-Kacker expressed her commitment to public service, stating, “After 26 years serving this community, it’s time for this doctor to make a ‘House Call’ to Washington.”
Her campaign platform focuses on the intersection of healthcare and economic policy, drawing from her dual experience as a frontline clinician and a small business owner. The 26th District, which encompasses much of Ventura County, is an important economic hub characterized by agricultural land, aerospace innovation, and technology sectors. Devgan-Kacker believes her experience running a small business provides her with a unique understanding of the regulatory challenges and rising costs that local entrepreneurs face.
In addition to economic issues, Devgan-Kacker has made wildfire preparedness a personal and political priority. As a resident of Ventura County, she understands the realities of living in an area prone to wildfires and keeps an evacuation bag ready, a sentiment shared by many of her potential constituents.
“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 stated, criticizing the influence of private equity and corporate bureaucracy on medical affordability.
Devgan-Kacker raised her two children in Thousand Oaks, where they attended local public schools. In addition to her clinical practice, she maintains academic ties as a clinical teacher with institutions such as UCLA and USC.
The race for the 26th District is anticipated to be highly competitive. As an open seat during a presidential election cycle, it has attracted interest from a diverse array of candidates. Devgan-Kacker joins a Democratic primary that includes several local figures, while Republicans are looking to flip a seat that has been held by Democrats for over a decade. The primary election is scheduled for June 2.
According to The American Bazaar, Devgan-Kacker’s candidacy reflects a growing trend of healthcare professionals entering politics to advocate for policies that directly impact their communities.