← California on the November ballot
Samantha Mota
Democratic candidate in the top-two general for U.S. House, California’s 37th District
$0
in backing from the pro-Israel PACs we track, 2016–2026
Samantha Mota is one of two Democrats on the November 3, 2026 ballot for U.S. House in California’s 37th District, against Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D, inc.). It is a top-two race: the two leaders of the primary advanced, whatever their party, so there is no party nominee. Backed by AIPAC or allied pro-Israel PACs: $0 (2016–2026).
Not a member of Congress: this page covers Samantha Mota’s 2026 race. Members of Congress and governors have a page with their votes as well (the full list); this one isn’t counted in the site’s totals or lists.
Where the campaign’s money comes from
Samantha Mota’s campaign has raised $12,579 in the 2026 election cycle through October 14, 2026, and had $328 in cash on hand at the end of that period.
- The candidate’s own money and loans$7,158
- Individual donors$5,421
From donors who gave over $200: $1,636 after refunds, in gifts through September 30, 2026; 85% from California, 15% from other states. Top states: California $1,386 (85%), New Mexico $250 (15%). 7 donors. The FEC lists a gift by donor once the donor has given more than $200 (bulk file as of October 25, 2026; each gift counted once, refunds subtracted, no donor named).
Totals the campaign reported to the FEC (individual donors are not named). Reports lag: the latest one covers the period shown. FEC candidate page: H6CA37339 (2026 reports).
Money from the pro-Israel PACs we track
None of the pro-Israel PACs we track gave to Samantha Mota’s campaign committees or reported outside spending for or against them in 2016–2026, in the FEC filings we read.
The race
- November 3, 2026. On the ballot: Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic, incumbent); Samantha Mota (Democratic)
- Incumbent: Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)
- Advanced from the June 2 top-two primary with 15,019 votes (11.7%) (official results of the June 2 primary for Samantha Mota)
- Rating: Solid DAverage of 5; all agree
- California 37th District 2026: who’s running
- Every California race on the 2026 ballot
- Campaign site
How to vote in California
Ballots are mailed to every registered voter. Returning it: postmarked by Nov 3 and received by Nov 10, or dropped off by 8 p.m. Nov 3. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- How to vote by mail or in person in California
- Check your registration on California’s election website
- Registration and ballot deadlines on Vote.gov for California
Ballots already cast in California: 3,160,419 (mail ballots returned and in-person ballots cast, as of Oct 24; California Secretary of State): 28% of 2022 midterm turnout in California (11,146,620) · 14% of registered voters in California
About Samantha Mota
Each line links its source. Background and endorsements are in our words; positions are quoted word for word from the source shown (the campaign’s or an official site, a questionnaire, or Samantha Mota quoted in the news). Sources checked October 25, 2026. Listing an endorsement or a statement is not this site’s endorsement.
Background
- Describes herself as an activist, advocate and organizer. · motaforcongress.com (source for Describes herself as an activist, advocate and organizer.) (archived copy of the source for Describes herself as an activist, advocate and organizer.)
- Served as a commissioner on Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (appointed January 2021). · motaforcongress.com (source for Served as a commissioner on Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (appointed January 2021).) (archived copy of the source for Served as a commissioner on Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (appointed January 2021).)
- Attended Santa Monica College (political science). · motaforcongress.com (source for Attended Santa Monica College (political science).) (archived copy of the source for Attended Santa Monica College (political science).)
Stated positions
- Israel and Gaza: No statement found (looked at motaforcongress.com (checked for Israel and Gaza, page 1), motaforcongress.com (checked for Israel and Gaza, page 2), motaforcongress.com (checked for Israel and Gaza, page 3); October 25, 2026).
- Campaign finance and super PACs: “Overturn Citizens United” motaforcongress.com (source for Campaign finance and super PACs statement) (archived copy of the source for Campaign finance and super PACs statement)
- Health care: “Medicare for All” motaforcongress.com (source for Health care statement) (archived copy of the source for Health care statement)
- Labor: “Support Raise the Wage Act” motaforcongress.com (source for Labor statement) (archived copy of the source for Labor statement)
- Immigration: “Dismantle ICE and end for-profit detention” motaforcongress.com (source for Immigration statement) (archived copy of the source for Immigration statement)
- Housing: “Housing is a right, yet it's treated like a commodity.” motaforcongress.com (source for Housing statement) (archived copy of the source for Housing statement)
Where this comes from
The same FEC ledger as every page on the site (how we count), read for each FEC candidate ID Samantha Mota has used:
Found an error? Tell us.
Questions and answers
Has Samantha Mota been backed by AIPAC?
No. Samantha Mota has had no backing from AIPAC's PAC or its super PAC, United Democracy Project, or from the other pro-Israel PACs we track (2016–2026).
How much pro-Israel PAC backing has Samantha Mota had?
$0 from the pro-Israel PACs we track (2016–2026).
Where do these figures come from?
They come from FEC filings.