U.S. House, District 23

#Key findings

• Covers the High Desert, the mountains, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley and Needles, plus about 15% of Redlands and 5% of San Bernardino. ^[1]
• Jay Obernolte (R), in Congress since 2021, faces Tessa Lynn Hodge (D), a social worker and businesswoman. He took 57.1% in the June primary; Hodge led the Democrats with 21.3%. Cook rating R+9. ^[2]
• Obernolte voted for the House version of the 2025 tax-and-spending bill. He says more than 40% of his district is on Medi-Cal, and he rejects calling its Medicaid changes cuts: "We're just creating some more requirements." ^[3]

#U.S. House, District 23

#Jay Obernolte (R, incumbent)

• Key findings: Big Bear Lake resident; video-game developer and business owner; former Assemblymember. Won 2024 with 60.1%. Leads House work on artificial intelligence policy. ^[2][4][5]
• Votes (2025): Yes on the House version of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (tax-cut extension, new Medicaid work requirements). CBO estimated the House bill would add $2.4 trillion to deficits; he says his own math shows savings. Backed the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and sending Twentynine Palms Marines to Los Angeles. ^[3]

#Tessa Lynn Hodge (D)

• Ballot designation: social worker and businesswoman. First run for Congress. She answered KVCR's questionnaire; Obernolte didn't. ^[6][7] I found no independent reporting on her record.