The Mountain Bear Democratic Club is posting information on candidates running for election. This page is for information only and not an endorsement.
Name: Karen Matthews
(Independent) Running For: U.S. House of Representatives CA 23
Election Date: Primaries: June 2, 2026 General Election: November 3, 2026
Summery of Candidacy:
My name is Karen Leigh Matthews. I was born in Loma Linda, lived in Crestline, and earned my
undergraduate and medical degrees from Loma Linda University.
I served as a doctor in the Navy for 22 years and retired in 2023. During my service, I led
medical teams, guided organizations through change, served as a senior military advisor for
global health security, worked at the Pentagon to modernize the military health system’s
electronic medical records, and cared for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and veterans.
I wore the uniform because I believe in this country—not just as an idea, but as a promise.
I am running for Congress because we deserve the dignity of healthcare, homeownership, a
steady job, and living wages. If you work full time in America, you should be able to afford a
roof over your head, put food on the table, and see a doctor when you’re sick.
I believe in the First Amendment, restoring women’s rights, the separation of church and state,
and holding those in power accountable.
These beliefs have shaped my service and my leadership, and they will shape how I serve in
Congress—with respect for democracy, the rule of law, and the people who make this country
work.
Website: https://www.matthewsforcongress.com/
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: Randall Putz
Candidate For: California Assembly District 34
Summary of Candidacy: Randall Putz brings 16 years of proven experience in elected office and a lifetime commitment to service. He currently serves on the Big Bear Lake City Council, where he has been Mayor twice, and honored with statewide recognition for excellence in public service. As an area resident for 25 years, he has held leadership roles with a variety of local and regional agencies focused on public safety, education, transportation, conservation, and planning. Randy is a native Californian, father, small business owner, and community advocate who cares deeply about the future of our region. He stands for transparency, accountability, and fairness that honors labor and equity. In Sacramento he will continue to fight for the attention and resources we need and deserve, putting planet over profit, and people over billionaires.
Candidate Website: https://putzforassembly.com/
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Randall Putz for CA 34
PO Box 1625
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Cell 909-744-4073
randy@putzforassembly.com
FPPC #1480258
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.
