The Mountain Bear Democratic Club is posting information on candidates running for election. This page is for information only and not an endorsement. Once candidates go through our endorsement process, we will post it on our Candidate Endorsement page.
Name: Tessa Lynn Hodge
Running For: US House of Representatives CA Congressional District 23
Election Date: Primaries: June 2, 2026 General Election: November 3, 2026
Summary of Candidacy:
My name is Tessa Lynn Hodge and I am grateful for the opportunity to run for election to represent Congressional District 23 in the 2026 midterms. My grandparents settled in the district in the 1970s when my grandfather retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. My grandmother, a registered nurse, spent close to 30 years as an RN at St. Mary’s in Apple Valley where I was born in the 1980’s. I spent my childhood in the High Desert horseback riding, attending Rebeka’s and Oddfellows meetings with my grandparents, and taking trips to Afton Canyon near Baker with my dad. After graduating from Snowline Joint Unified School District I eventually began my pursuit of higher education at Victor Valley College before transferring to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). At CSUSB I obtained both my bachelors and my masters in Social Work. I am now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have worked in the community as a child welfare worker, in medical social work at St. Mary’s, in our schools providing school based mental health services, with the county providing community based crisis response services, and now as a mental health provider for a non profit that provides medical and mental health services to rural and underserved communities. I have spent my life living in the 23rd district and my career giving back to it.
I am running for this position because I believe that it is high time that someone born and raised in the 23rd be elected to represent the 23rd. Our community is so unique in that it covers mountain regions, desert regions, vast wide open regions, and densely populated city areas as well. Every region in this district has its own unique needs, and unless you’ve lived in the community and have relationships with community members, it can be difficult to truly grasp how unique each area is. As I have not only lived in the area my entire life, but also worked from one end of the community to the other as a social worker I not only have deep roots here, but know this community as few could. Part of my platform is to bring better paying jobs to the region so that so many of our community members do not have to drive the Cajon Pass for work. I also want to increase transportation funding for rural school districts to help get kids to school. Housing is more expensive than ever and requires that housing options of all sizes, not just 3000 sq ft tract homes, are built. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats, and I want every member of my community to thrive. Please visit my website for more information, to donate, sign up for my mailing list, or sign up to volunteer. Thank you for your time.
Links: Tessaforca.com
Email: Tessalynnhodge@tessaforca.com
Phone: (760)209-6785
Instagram: Tessalynn_hodge
Name: Paul Chakalian
Running For: U.S. House of Representatives CA 23
Election Date: June, 2026
Summary of Candidacy:
If elected, Paul will work across the aisle to deliver concrete improvements in our communities by reducing costs for working families, supporting businesses and schools, and ensuring access to quality healthcare and our shared natural spaces. His top priorities are: (1) Addressing the housing affordability and insurance crisis, (2) Funding 4-year degree programs at high-desert community colleges, and (3) Building a Level I Trauma Center in the high-desert and increasing quality healthcare access for all residents including veterans and individuals on Medicare and Medicaid.
Paul Chakalian is a small business owner and dad who understands the real challenges facing working families across our district. As the founder of Joshua Tree Distilling Co., he knows the struggle of running a business in California — from navigating skyrocketing costs of healthcare, housing, and taxes to managing burdensome regulations that make it difficult to get ahead. Paul has experienced these challenges firsthand, working from home to raise his two sons due to the high cost of housing and childcare.
Located in the Morongo Basin, Paul comes from a family of small business owners with roots in this region for nearly two decades. His journey began early, helping at his parents' bookstore as a teenager and learning the value of hard work and community. Today, he's built a successful craft distillery that provides jobs and supports the local economy, donating between 2–5% of its revenue every year to over two dozen local community organizations.
While incumbent Jay Obernolte has consistently voted to protect big corporations and special interests, Paul is committed to championing the needs of small businesses and working families. With a deep understanding of local economic challenges, and an education in environmental science, he brings a people-first perspective focused on balanced and practical solutions to improve lives and livelihoods.
Website: https://www.paulforca23.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulforca23/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-Chakalian-for-Congress/61575467699922/
Example:
Name: Ms. Bear
Running For: Mayor of BearTown
Election Date: November 1, 2025
Where to Vote: http://where2vote.com
Summary of Candidacy: Hello Moutain Bear Democratic Club! My name is Ms. Bear, and I am running for the Mayor of BearTown for this upcoming election on November 1, 2025. Vote for me because of XYZ.
Links: Ms.Bear@bears.com; (123) 456-7890, http://msbear4democracy.com, Facebook link, instagram link, etc.
