19th Congressional District Candidates forum, April 2026

There are seven candidates running to be our next representative in Congress from California’s 19th District, which runs from south San Jose out to the coast, then down the coast all the way to northern San Luis Obispo County, including the cities of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. All seven candidates were invited to participate in the forum – four responded and were present for the forum on April 22, 2026, moderated by Len Beyea. They are Thomas Coxe (I), Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera, Tuka Gufari (R), and Sean Dougherty (D).  The incumbent, Jimmy Panetta (D), did not respond to the invitation, nor did candidates Peter Verbica (R) or Lars Mapstead (L).

Introductions provided by the candidates:

Thomas Coxe (I) seeks to address the root cause of our national issues, corruption. As envisioned by our first President, the country stands divided between just two political parties, leaving politics a zero-sum game for sale to the highest bidder. Thomas, a lifelong independent, owns and runs a small contracting company in Santa Cruz County. He has three children with his lovely wife, and they enjoy getting out into the beautiful parks and wild spaces unique to California’s Central Coast.

Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera (I) is a native of North Monterey County. She is a Professor at Hartnell College, currently teaching at the intersection of Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. In the coming semesters she’ll also be teaching Physical Science and Engineering. Outside the classroom she is a community leader and organizer in Monterey County. Her strong multidisciplinary background gives her the ability to analyze problems from multiple angles and come up with innovative solutions. Ana Luz received her Bachelors in Geophysics, Masters in Earth & Planetary Science, and Masters in Civil & Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley.

Tuka Gafari (R) was born and raised in California with his parents, who immigrated from Iran in the 1950’s and 60’s.  His wife also immigrated from Iran.  They live in a beautiful area.  Tuka enjoys being part of the community coaching soccer for kids.  There is no left or right.  There is forward or backwards.  It’s up to us to elect a leader who will listen and lead.  Finding solutions that do not divide is key.  We are diverse in our state and country, which is our strength.

Sean Dougherty (D) is running for Congress because we deserve a government that works for us—not corporate PACs. We can guarantee healthcare for all, cut costs, end wasteful wars, and reinvest in education, infrastructure, and working families. This isn’t left or right. It’s about reclaiming a government that serves the people. We have the resources to fix what’s broken—we just need the courage to act.

Image above features the candidates who participated in person – L to R they are Sean Dougherty, Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera, and Tuka Gufari. Thomas Coxe participated via remote connection.