California 30th District
Laura Friedman (D) holds this seat and is running again. 2 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Laura Friedman
Democrat · holds this seat today
FLiberty Score FOn the liberty side in 10 of 45 votes and bills.
Raised $994,571 since January 2025: 64% from people, 36% from PACs and other committees, 1% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Scott Meyers
Republican · burbank civil attorney, small business owner
ALiberty Score A100 out of 100 across 6 principles. Graded on what Meyers has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Meyers.
Raised $122,819 since January 2025: 80% the candidate’s own money, 16% from people, 4% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Scott Meyers. Scott Meyers: A, 100 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count. Laura Friedman: F, 23 out of 100 from recorded votes.
Voting in California: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Scott Meyers, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Meyers, so the grade above comes from this list: what Meyers has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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In a voter guide questionnaire he called the relationship with Israel critical and a commitment to keep.
“This is an absolute critical relationship and commitment to keep. For Israel to remain in existence, it cannot afford to lose a single war.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Treating Israel as an ally that must not lose a war is with liberty on free nations.
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Asked about foreign policy, he said the United States must honor its alliances as commitments.
“We also make alliances, which are commitments, and we must always strive to honor them.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Honoring alliances rather than retreating from them is with liberty on free nations.
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In the questionnaire he called China far more dangerous than most Americans realize, without naming a policy on Taiwan.
“I believe China is far more dangerous than most Americans realize.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
Calling China dangerous names no policy on Taiwan, Ukraine or NATO, so on its own it does not settle the free nations test.
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Asked about AI-made political ads, he opposed a ban and backed only a disclosure rule, citing the First Amendment.
“In sum: I am not in favor of a strict ban. I am in favor of requiring disclosure of its use.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Refusing to ban a kind of lawful political speech is on the with side of the free_speech measure.
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His campaign site promises to cut regulation that raises housing and small business costs.
“Cut regulatory red tape that drives up housing and small business costs”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Less regulation is with liberty on free markets.
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In a newspaper questionnaire he said Medicare for All would be financially and medically disastrous.
“I believe Medicare-For-All would be financially and medically disastrous.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing government-run health care for all is with liberty on free markets.
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In the questionnaire he said males who claim to be female should not compete in women's sport because it is unfair.
“Athletic competition requires fairness among competitors. Males claiming to be female is not only an absurdity, it is absolutely unfair.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Keeping women's sport female is with liberty on equal rights.
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In the questionnaire he described medical gender transition of children as violence on children.
“These practices of mutilation, chemical experimentation, resulting in sterilization, resulting in depression, and deep regret are tantamount to violence on children.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing gender ideology applied to children is with liberty on equal rights.
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Asked what separation of church and state means, he said no part of government should use its position to promote a religious belief.
“At no time shall any level of, or employee of, government, use their position to promote a religious belief.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Keeping religion out of government is with liberty on conscience.
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In the questionnaire he said no one who entered illegally should be given residence or citizenship.
“We should never award resident or citizen status to anyone who entered illegally.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Refusing a path to citizenship for those here illegally is with liberty on borders.
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His campaign site supports securing the southern border and opposes sanctuary policies.
“Oppose sanctuary policies that undermine public safety”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing sanctuary policies is with liberty on borders.
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He said lawful immigration should come from countries and people who share American values, including equal rights for women and religious freedom, naming no country.
“We should encourage lawful immigration from countries and people who share ALL of our values of liberty; equal rights for all, including women; religious freedom; freedom of expression and association.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
Vetting by values with no countries or limits named does not settle the borders test.
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
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Discussion
California 30th District
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