Ruiz, Cruz Face Off In California’s 36th Congressional District

PALM DESERT, CA — The race for California’s 36th Congressional District seat pits Democratic incumbent Dr. Raul Ruiz (Palm Desert) against Tea Party Republican Erin Cruz.

The 36th District stretches across the Coachella Valley and into the San Gorgonio Pass, including the cities of Banning and Beaumont.

In the March 3 presidential primary election, Ruiz was the clear winner of that race. He captured 96,266 votes or 60.5 percent of ballots cast in the district, compared to Cruz who garnered 33,984 votes or 21.4 percent. Two other Republicans and one Democratic write-in candidate were also on the ballot. The three losers captured just over 28,000 votes — nearly all going to the two GOP candidates.

Ruiz is an emergency physician who works in the Coachella Valley, where he grew up. Elected to the district in 2012 after beating incumbent Mary Bono Mack, Ruiz maintains that he is not a career politician "and I never will be." He argues that members of Congress are public servants who "should absolutely not receive special privileges at the expense of taxpayers."

According to his campaign website and statements, Ruiz supports protecting Medicare and social security, as well as the environment. He also wants to see affordable healthcare for all, equal pay for equal work, expansion of paid family and sick leave, increased access to affordable child care, and more services for military veterans.

He is married with two children.

According to Cruz's campaign website, her priorities are tax decreases, an end to DACA, building a border wall, enhanced national security, and opposition to gun safety legislation, among others.

Cruz is a mother, widow, businesswoman and author — she is a native Southern Californian, born and raised in the state, and identifies as a Tea Party Republican and constitutional conservative, according to her bio.

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