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    Noah Von Blom, CA-42 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
    • May 5, 2026

    Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

    Name: Noah Von Blom

    Current job title: Chef/Owner Arc Restaurants

    Age: 46

    Political party affiliation: Republican

    Incumbent: No

    Other political positions held: Former Mayor and Current Council Member and Mayor ProTem

    City where you reside: Newport Beach

    Campaign website or social media: NoahVonBlom.com

    From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)

    Affordability for everyday Americans is the No. 1 concern of mine. We are regulating ourselves into oblivion.

    Insurance and utility costs are making it nearly impossible for families and small businesses to survive. Congress is out of touch with the people they purport to represent

    Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Voter ID is a no-brainer. You have to show your ID for literally anything in this country. It seems odd that politicians are against this. If I need one for a fishing license, I don’t think this is a stretch.

    What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Secured borders have been a bipartisan priority for decades. It has only devolved in recent years. Keeping the country safe and prosperous is one of the core tenets of the federal government. We will always need and welcome immigrants into our country; there is a broken process, and that should be the focus of the federal government.

    It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    The state of California has squandered billions of dollars on waste and abuse of funds provided to it by taxpayers. Blaming the federal government for not sending it more money is insane. If we are truly the fourth-largest economy in the world, we should be ashamed with the nature of our response and take responsibility for the lack of accountability and transparency.

    Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Insider trading laws exist for every other American. Congress represents all Americans. The same laws should apply to them.

    Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    No. We have created a quagmire of regulations that fight each other. We have runaway quasi-judicial bodies making ridiculous decisions. Small ferry operators pay millions, electric cars when grids fail, and power is created through burning fuel. Let’s become a country that creates innovation, not drowning in regulation.

    President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Yes, I would. Although I often look to libertarian ideas, I firmly believe that defense through strength ensures that our country will continue to prosper

    Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    The direct threat to our democracy, our people and our way of life.

    Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Yes. As laid out in the Constitution.

    Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    No. I believe that Congress is so busy in infighting and party allegiance that they fail to do their job.

    Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    No. The government should not be raising our children. We need to bring parents, not the government, back to the table.

    Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Support for law enforcement has become a party issue rather than a safety issue. Congress needs to support those willing to put their lives on the line and stop complicating the issue.

    There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    100%. Congressional term limits should be adjusted to four-year terms with a max of three terms. It is not a job. It is service.

    What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Not so hidden, I happen to be a good chef. Also, I do love most extreme sports.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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