Voters should choose representatives, not the other way around

Being a representative is a duty and a calling.

I have been honored to be yours.

Being the new guy in Washington, D.C. has one unexpected advantage. It makes me think hard about why I am here.

I didn't come to Washington chasing fame or a title. In fact, I never expected to be here at all. When the tragic passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa left our region without a representative, I knew I had to step up. Because true representation means answering the call when your community needs you.

I have never viewed politics as a ladder to climb, but as a stewardship: to bring people together to solve problems and leave things better than you found them.

This was always my motto while serving as your State Assemblyman. Even as a minority legislator, we secured wins in water storage investments and wildfire prevention. We kept rural hospitals open and established residency programs to bring doctors to the North State. We also supported our schools and helped communities rebuild after disaster.

I'm proud of that record.

And I learned something invaluable during those years. Representation isn't measured by majority status or winning every vote. It is measured by your willingness to work, stand in the gap and fight for the people who sent you there.

I bring that same mindset to Congress. Even in the House majority, I refuse to think like the entitled politicians I often saw in Sacramento.

The district lines may have changed, but my mission will never change. My mission is to look out for the best interests of the hardworking families in the North State.

That means putting hard-earned money back into the pockets of families. We reduced taxes, including no tax on tips and a larger child tax credit.

We are lowering costs by peeling back burdensome energy regulations. This week, we are taking on California's rules to lower gas and electricity prices. I also authored AB 2700, which state lawmakers just passed, to put wildfire victims on a path to full compensation without charging ratepayers.

We are leading the charge to make healthcare affordable. Earlier this week, the President announced new agreements to lower prescription drug prices. Congress also set aside $50 billion for rural healthcare. I am fighting to get the First District its fair share.

We passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to make homes easier to build and afford. I am pushing the Senate to pass the Fix Our Forests Act so we can clear dangerous fuels and protect our communities from catastrophic wildfire.

This is what representation is all about.

Sadly, too many politicians view representation as a power trip instead of a public duty. They forget who they work for and game the system to hold onto power.

California politicians replaced maps drawn by an independent commission with lines they drew themselves in the middle of the decade. Nearly two-thirds of voters in California's First Congressional District said no, but Sacramento did it anyway.

Politicians should not get to choose their voters. In America, the people decide.

Being your representative is a duty and a calling. I will never take that responsibility for granted. And I will never stop fighting to protect your voice.

James Gallagher is the United States Congressman representing California's 1st Congressional District. He was elected in June to fill the remainder of the late Doug LaMalfa's term.

https://www.chicoer.com/2026/09/04/voters-should-choose-representatives-not-the-other-way-around-guest-commentary/