The political landscape in California's 34th Congressional District is heating up as Justice Democrats endorse Angela Gonzales-Torres in a bold move against incumbent Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez. This endorsement signals a strategic shift for the progressive group, known for its role in propelling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to victory in 2018, as they aim to expand their influence in Congress by supporting more left-leaning candidates.

Gonzales-Torres has openly criticized Gomez for his financial ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's super PAC, a point of contention that reflects broader party divisions regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a recent campaign video, Gonzales-Torres accused Gomez of supporting what she terms a “genocide” in Gaza, stating emphatically, "I am not taking a dime from AIPAC."

This race marks the second endorsement by Justice Democrats in the 2026 election cycle, following a year in which the group focused on defending incumbent progressives rather than endorsing new challengers. The choice of Gonzales-Torres highlights their renewed commitment to challenging the Democratic status quo.

"Angela represents the courage and urgency needed to confront not only the remnants of the Trump administration's policies but also the pervasive corporate influence within our own party,” said Alexandra Rojas, Executive Director of Justice Democrats. “Los Angeles needs a working-class champion like Angela in Congress.”

Gomez, who has successfully fended off previous challenges from the left, faces a formidable opponent in Gonzales-Torres, whose campaign emphasizes her working-class background and advocacy for significant changes in immigration enforcement. Her personal story, marked by her father's deportation to Mexico when she was 15, resonates deeply within the district.

Previously serving as president of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, Gonzales-Torres has built a platform centered around defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and addressing systemic injustices that affect immigrant communities and beyond.

As the election approaches, the endorsement by Justice Democrats could play a crucial role in shaping the future political alignment of California’s 34th district, potentially swaying the balance toward a more progressive agenda that challenges both Republican opposition and the established Democratic framework.