Matt Gunderson, a car dealership owner, is challenging Rep. Mike Levin for his seat representing coastal North County and southern Orange County in Congress, two years after running for a similar state Senate district.
To help inform voters, the San Diego Union-Tribune asked all the candidates a series of the same questions about their priorities, positions and campaigns. Their emailed answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?
As a small business owner, married father to four daughters, and active member of my community, I cannot sit back and watch our state and country continue to struggle. I built three successful businesses and created hundreds of jobs. I’m running for congress to bring common sense back to Washington, strengthen our economy, restore public safety, and secure the border.
What are the top 3 issues facing this district and California generally?
1. Secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl and other drugs.
2. Reduce inflation and strengthen the economy.
3. Support law enforcement and make our communities safe from crime again.
What are the first 3 things you would do in your first term in Congress?
In my first term in Congress, I will work towards securing our border, stop out-of-control federal spending and pass term limits.
What would you do to curb climate change and its effects on California?
Protecting Southern California’s environmental resources is important. Many areas along our coast are experiencing erosion, causing the loss of our Southern California beaches. We need to increase sand replenishment projects to help reverse the loss of our eroding coastline. We must also take action to stabilize our bluffs, many of which are at risk of eroding into the sea.
How should U.S. migration and asylum policy change, what should guide it, and what specifically will you pursue in Congress?
The crisis at our southern border isn’t about politics; it’s a public safety and humanitarian emergency.
The lack of a secure border has resulted in fentanyl and crime in every community in Southern California. I plan to work to secure the border on day one in Congress. It’s time for action, not just words. We must confront this crisis collectively to protect our nation’s safety from human traffickers, terrorists and drug smugglers.
What is your stance on the war in Gaza, and on U.S. involvement in and support of it?
The United States should stand with our allies when they are threatened by dictators and terrorists. Yet we must always demand accountability for every dollar spent; there should be no blank checks.
The United States must stand with Israel against the terrorists who attacked innocent Israelis. We must work with our allies to help the Jewish people and stop the rise of antisemitic behavior around the world.
Would you support federal statutory restrictions on, or protections of, abortion rights? Which, and to what extent?
The Supreme Court has placed this issue in the hands of each state. California voters spoke clearly when they passed Proposition 1 in 2022.
Would you support or oppose stricter federal gun laws and background checks? Which, and to what extent?
Our communities are facing rising crime and increased violence. Unfortunately, California isn’t even willing to enforce the current laws we have on the books to curb crime and hold criminals accountable; let’s begin by enforcing the existing laws we have available.
