Welcome to our 2026 candidate spotlight! As we approach the critical November 3, 2026, General Election, the Plumas County Democrats are mobilizing behind two powerful advocates running to represent our rural, mountain communities at both the federal and state levels.
Here is what you need to know about our Democratic champions: Mike McGuire for U.S. Congress and Dianna James for State Assembly.
Mike McGuire
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, California District 1
The race for California’s 1st Congressional District is one of the most consequential in recent history. State Senator Mike McGuire advanced from the June 2 primary and is now facing Republican James Gallagher for our congressional seat.
Background
Mike is a third-generation Northern Californian whose family farmed in Sonoma County for nearly half a century. Currently representing Senate District 2 as a California State Senator, Mike previously served as the President pro Tempore of the Senate, a role that ended on November 17, 2025. He has built a reputation as an honest, hard-working leader who bridges divides to get things done for rural communities. He started his public service journey at just 19 years old on his local school board.
Plumas County Priorities
Mike deeply understands the unique challenges of the North State. His platform hits right at the heart of what matters in Plumas County:
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Wildfire Resilience & Home Hardening: He is aggressively pushing the federal government to release delayed FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds, which specifically include millions earmarked for home hardening and wildfire mitigation right here in Plumas County. He strongly advocates for safely increasing prescribed burns, supporting Indigenous land stewardship, and funding local fire districts.
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Rural Healthcare Access: Believing we must “put patients before profits,” Mike is fighting to end insurance company greed, ensure rural hospitals remain open, and decouple healthcare from employment so that medical emergencies don’t bankrupt families.
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Economic Development: His vision for rural communities includes expanding broadband access, securing good-paying union jobs, and investing in clean energy infrastructure to help small towns thrive.
Connect & Get Involved
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Campaign Website: votemikemcguire.com
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Social Media: Follow the campaign on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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Local Event Attendance: Catch Mike on the trail! He has held events in Quincy, Plumas County, on 3 separate occasions and will be in Chester on Wednesday, June 24, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Kopper Kettle Cafe (243 Main St, Chester, CA). He also frequently participates in regional Democratic Town Halls and will coordinate with the Plumas County Central Committee on upcoming canvassing kickoffs and meet-and-greets this fall.
Dianna Margaret James
Candidate for California State Assembly, District 1
Dianna James stepped up to the plate and successfully advanced from the June 2, 2026, primary to challenge Republican incumbent Heather Hadwick. As a dedicated Democrat and community organizer, Dianna is fighting to ensure our state representation actually reflects the needs of working families rather than far-right partisan agendas.
Background
A resident of nearby Shasta County, Dianna brings a wealth of global and grassroots experience to the table. She is a former Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State and currently uses her skills as a Community Organizer. She has built a grassroots campaign funded by everyday people and local county Democratic committees, refusing to take money from the corporate PACs that back her opponent.
Plumas County Priorities
Dianna’s focus is on bringing sensible, community-first representation back to Assembly District 1:
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Standing Up for Public Education: While her opponents focus on divisive “parents’ rights” culture wars that harm students, Dianna champions fully funded public education, supporting our teachers, and ensuring rural school districts have the resources they need.
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Community Safety & Resources: She advocates for smart investments in community health and safety, pushing back against the “tough-on-crime” rhetoric that cuts crucial social programs in favor of mass incarceration.
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Empowering Rural Voices: As an organizer, Dianna focuses heavily on grassroots empowerment. She is dedicated to making sure Sacramento doesn’t overlook the northeastern corner of the state when drafting state budgets for infrastructure, water rights, and emergency services.
Connect & Get Involved
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Campaign Website: diannajamesad1.com
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Social Media: Join the conversation on her official campaign Facebook page.
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Local Event Attendance: Dianna relies on grassroots momentum and is actively touring AD-1. Look for her at upcoming Plumas County Democratic Club potlucks, phone-banking sessions, and community organization drives across the county.
Get Involved Locally
We need all hands on deck to flip CA-1 and bring progressive leadership to AD-1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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Register to Vote or Check Your Status: Visit registertovote.ca.gov
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Join the Plumas Dems: Attend our next Central Committee meeting to grab yard signs, sign up for phone banks, and meet the candidates!