Sam T. Liccardo

Overview

Sam Liccardo represents California in the U.S. House as a Democrat who leans progressive but sits slightly to the right of his party's center of gravity. With 452 recorded votes, he has built a record that largely aligns with Democratic priorities — voting consistently on labor protections, foreign policy measures, and technology legislation — while showing occasional independence on budget, environment, and criminal justice matters. His voting record shows strong engagement across a wide range of policy areas. He has voted unanimously in favor of foreign policy measures and labor bills that came to the floor, signaling firm support in those domains. On environmental and energy issues, he voted against the majority of bills that reached the floor (38.2% yea), which in many cases reflects opposition to Republican-led rollbacks of environmental regulations — such as his nay vote on disapproving California's harbor craft emissions standards. On budget matters, his low yea rate (17.4%) largely reflects opposition to majority-party spending and budget frameworks. Liccardo has also shown interest in technology policy, voting in favor of 70% of technology-related bills. His record on defense issues is mixed, supporting veterans' care legislation while engaging with War Powers questions on both sides. On criminal justice, he split nearly evenly, including a notable nay vote on a presidential impeachment resolution and a nay on a resolution expressing support for law enforcement officers. Overall, Liccardo's record paints a picture of a Democrat who is reliably progressive on core party issues but willing to evaluate individual bills on their merits, particularly on defense, technology, and fiscal matters.

Key Positions

• •Voted in favor of all 11 foreign policy measures that came to the floor and all 5 labor-related bills, indicating consistent support in both areas.
• •Opposed the fiscal year 2027 congressional budget resolution and a continuing appropriations measure, reflecting disagreement with the majority party's spending framework.
• •Voted against a resolution to disapprove California's harbor craft emissions regulations, supporting his home state's authority to set stricter pollution standards.
• •Voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act and the Water Resources Development Act, showing support for energy affordability and water infrastructure.
• •Supported the Take Care of America's Veterans Act while also voting in favor of a War Powers Resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Lebanon.
• •Voted nay on impeaching President Trump and nay on a resolution expressing support for law enforcement officers — landing on opposite sides of what are often seen as partisan votes.
• •Voted in favor of 70% of technology-related legislation, suggesting an active interest in tech policy consistent with representing a California district.
• •Voted in favor of the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and the Retire through Ownership Act, supporting consumer protection and retirement savings measures.