Let me be direct about something: California voters may well decide who controls the House of Representatives this November. That’s not hyperbole. Democrats need a net gain of three seats nationally, and Republicans can lose no more than two to retain their majority. The fight for the House runs through California’s 52 congressional districts, many of which were dramatically restructured by Proposition 50 last year. In the Central Valley and San Diego County especially, contests are on national watchlists as the closest races in the country.
In other words: this is not the cycle to sit on the sidelines.
Here are eight concrete things you can do right now, ranked roughly from easiest to most involved.
1. Join the Silicon Valley Democratic Club
This is the obvious one, so let’s get it out of the way. Membership costs $30 for individuals or $40 for households per year — less than a decent dinner. You’ll get event invitations, a voice in endorsements, and a community of people who actually show up. Sign up here.
2. Call Your Representatives — Regularly
The Santa Clara County Democratic Party maintains a running list of priority calls at their Action Center. The tool they recommend — 5calls.org — takes about three minutes per call and tells you exactly what to say. This is the minimum viable act of citizenship right now.
3. Phone Bank for Competitive Districts
SCCDP is running monthly phone banks targeting voters in CD-13 and CD-22 — the Central Valley seats that will swing the House. Sign up at the Action Center or RSVP directly at mobilize.us. If you can spend two hours on a Saturday afternoon making calls, this is where your time has the highest leverage.
4. Canvass or Become a Neighborhood Captain
The SCCDP runs organized canvass events and a Neighborhood Captain program that puts a printed list of 100 homes near yours in your hands so you can walk at your own pace. Door-to-door contact still moves voters more than any digital ad. I know it feels uncomfortable. Do it anyway. Sign up at sccdp.org/action.
5. Volunteer with the SCCDP
Beyond phone banking and canvassing, the county party needs help with a range of campaign and advocacy work. Sign up as a volunteer and work directly with SCCDP staff on whatever they need most heading into November. And while you’re at it, subscribe to their newsletter so you don’t miss anything.
6. Donate to House Majority PAC
House Majority PAC is the only Super PAC solely focused on electing House Democrats — protecting vulnerable incumbents and boosting the most promising challenger and open seat candidates. They intend to be the largest outside spender in Democratic House campaigns in 2026. If you don’t have time to canvass, write a check. They know how to spend it — Politico called them “devastatingly effective.” Donate at thehousemajoritypac.com.
7. Join Activist Groups Already Operating in the South Bay
Several strong groups are already organized and active. The SCCDP lists them all on their get-involved page: South Bay Swing Left, Orchard City Indivisible, Sister District South Bay, and Avalanche all have their own event calendars and mobilize quickly when Washington does something that demands a response. Pick one and actually show up.
8. Consider Running for Something — or Supporting Someone Who Is
This one’s for the overachievers. The Santa Clara County Democratic Party is running a summer Communications for Candidates series — held in person at SCCDP headquarters (2901 Moorpark Ave., Suite 110, San Jose) on the third Thursday of each month through August. It’s designed for first-time candidates and campaign volunteers. If you’ve ever thought about running for school board, city council, or a special district seat, this is the on-ramp. Better candidates make better campaigns make better officeholders. That’s how the pipeline works.
The 2026 midterms aren’t some abstract national event. California is at the center of Democrats’ hopes of retaking the House majority, after the party successfully pushed a redistricting plan designed to net five seats in the general election. We are the firewall. We also have the opportunity. Which means the people in this club — people in San Jose, Santa Clara, and the South Bay — have an outsized role to play.
Pick one thing from this list. Do it this week. The election is on November 3rd, and it will be here faster than you think.
