Meet Melissa Hernandez, Candidate For California's 14th Congressional District

DUBLIN, CA — Patch reached out with identical questions to all candidates to represent California's 14th Congressional District, which comprises Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, Union City, Castro Valley, and parts of Dublin and Fremont. It was represented by Eric Swalwell, but is currently vacant after he resigned in the midst of a sexual abuse scandal.

A special election to replace Swalwell until January 2027 will take place Aug. 18. To be included in that election, candidates must file separately and participate in a primary on June 16.

The primary for the permanent seat will take place June 2, as planned.

Here are the answers from Melissa Hernandez, current board president of BART and the former mayor of Dublin. Responses have not been edited.

Can you briefly describe your background, including your professional experience, public service, and connection to the district?

I have lived in this community for 30 years. I raised my kids here. I work here. I love our community. I’m the first Latina to serve as Dublin Mayor, where I led it to a “Best Places to Live” designation, building housing at every level of affordability and advancing policies to create jobs.

Currently, I am Director of Healthcare Services for an Alameda County Supervisor, where I work to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare and advocate for programs and services that improve the health of Alameda County residents.

I am President of the BART Board of Directors. Trains and stations are cleaner, we’ve installed new and improved fare gates, and crime is down 40% since starting my tenure on the Board in 2024. On the Board, I hold management accountable and am actively working to find solutions to keep trains running on time.

Prior to my public service, I was a small business manager in the dental and health sectors. I received my degree in Political Science, Public Affairs & Administration from California State University, East Bay, while working and raising my two children.

What makes you the best candidate for this seat?

I have the support of so many people here – firefighters, police, workers, mayors, city council members -- because they know me, know I’ve always delivered on my promises, and know I’ll be effective in Washington.

I have built relationships in this district for over twenty years. I show up and collaborate with anyone willing to work to solve problems and find creative, new ideas to bring resources to our cities and residents. I also have extensive experience working with all the leaders in Alameda County and understand the diverse needs of each city, and their residents, in CD-14.

As Mayor of Dublin, I have the knowledge and experience to address housing issues and drive economic development. As a Healthcare Services Director for a County Supervisor, I have the knowledge and experience to address healthcare access and affordability, and during my time as a working single mom, I understand the need for affordable, quality childcare.

What are the biggest challenges facing the 14th district, and how do you plan to address them?

We are in a cost-of-living crisis. I will work in Congress to lower costs and expand economic opportunity. My three priorities are:

• Housing – To bring down the cost of housing, we need to build more houses at all levels of affordability. This includes working to lower the costs of raw materials, providing incentives to build new housing, and making it easier for first-time homebuyers to get a home loan.
• Access to Healthcare -- We can do better to drive down costs and improve health outcomes. In Congress, I will prioritize patient health and preventative care, lower prescription drug costs, protect and expand Medicare, restore insurance subsidies to reduce the cost of insurance premiums, and restore funding for health programs that serve vulnerable families. There are also cost savings to be had by requiring national standards of care and creating national data sharing, making costs and care more transparent and standard, to drive down costs. I will also fight to protect reproductive healthcare and restore reproductive freedom.
• Childcare -- I remember my struggles to afford childcare. The rising cost of childcare is putting tremendous pressure on families, sometimes costing as much as monthly rent or mortgage payments. I support expanding the Child Tax Credit, recruiting and training qualified childcare workers, and paying them more. I also support Paid and Family Medical Leave.

District 14 has recently made national headlines. What do you think voters are most concerned about, and how would your leadership address that?

Residents of Congressional District 14 are experiencing a betrayal of trust. We deserved better. This community needs a leader who can rebuild trust.

I’ve lived and worked here for 30 years. I raised my kids here. I have the support of so many people here because they know me and know I always deliver on my promises.

At the same time, we are in a cost-of-living crisis. We need to make life more affordable and create good jobs. This includes policies that reduce barriers to job growth and growing small businesses to strengthen our local economy. I will work to prevent price gouging on groceries and essential goods, and I support eliminating Trump’s tariffs to ease everyday costs.

Do you plan to run in the special election?

Yes

Outside of politics, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy travel and learning different cultures and how people live elsewhere. I also love trying new food in these different locales. And, I love spending time with my kids.

Please provide any links you’d like to share.

• www.melissahernandez2026.com
• Facebook: melisahernandez2026
• Instagram: melissahernandezforcongress