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Ferguson Porter, CA-48 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: Ferguson Porter

Current job title: Small Business Owner

Age: 43

Political party affiliation: Democratic

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Palm Springs

Campaign website or social media: voteporterforcongress.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.)

1. California is going to lose four congressional seats if the House of Representatives does not expand. Democrats are slow walking themselves into an electoral nightmare and not telling the voters the truth.

2. Housing is expensive.

3. Healthcare coverage and affordability in this country are unacceptable.

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.)

The Constitution gives states the power to conduct their own elections unless Congress steps in and writes a law. It’s not the President’s power to do anything regarding elections.

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.)

It’s obvious that our immigration system is outdated and moves far too slowly. That needs to be fixed, and we need to be welcoming of skilled workers and asylum seekers and give them a more efficient path to citizenship.

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.)

I believe if Democrats take control of the House and the Senate, the only way to get Donald Trump to do any of his presidential duties when it comes to passing a budget or funding relief for states is to threaten him with impeachment.

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.)

Lawmakers shouldn’t be getting rich off insider information. The only way to stop it is with legislation and the threat of criminal penalties.

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.)

Yes, I support stronger regulations. The U.S. government should be able to provide funding and tax relief to ensure progress in this area.

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.)

Not without funding for domestic issues such as healthcare and education, as well as significant tax increases for the ultra-wealthy.

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

Only when an attack has been made by an enemy.

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.)

It doesn’t matter what I believe. It’s 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.)

The Republicans in charge of Congress have completely abdicated their duty to be a check on the power of the president.

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.)

An argument can be made that they SHOULD, I am just not sure HOW it could be enforced at this time.

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.)

To borrow a saying: The answer to most of your questions is always “money.” Money for law enforcement, education, healthcare, housing, etc. If communities are able to be productive and prosperous, then crime goes down.

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.)

I see the appeal of term limits, but it’s not high on my list of things to advocate for. Ten terms as House member (20 years) and three terms for Senators (18 years) feels fair.

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

I can name all the Oscar winners for Best Picture by memory, in chronological order.

Orange County Register

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Ferguson Porter, CA-48 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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