California
CA-01
Rose Penelope Yee
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
I fully believe in the mission of the Historic Preservation Fund. It is absolutely important that we preserve history for future generations. I’m a proponent for increasing federal investment in education. I will include funding historic preservation projects in my campaign priority of providing increased education opportunities for our youth.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
The Pit River Tribe and allied conservation groups are urging President Biden to help preserve Medicine Lake Highlands located in northeastern part of California by signing the Sáttítla National Monument Establishment Act.
This will mean that 206,000 acres of natural, cultural and spiritual significance will be protected from threats of degradation and pollution. My opponent, the incumbent is against this protection. I fully support the preservation and protection of this precious natural resource.
CA-06
Christine Bish
Republican
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
I firmly believe in and support HPF’s efforts to protect and preserve historical places as these are legacies of the past which must be preserved for future generations if we are to continue as a unified society.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
I am particularly committed to limiting the power of agencies such as the IRS to set fees, fines, penalties, and other levies without representation.
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Like individuals who donate items to charities and receive tax breaks, I firmly consider that contributions to preserve historical buildings to be a tax deduction as the public benefits as a whole .
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
The preservation of historical sites is federal responsibility as they are a legacy to our future.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
The preservation of the grounds of California’s state capitol are of prime importance to my district. The grounds contain a number of trees that are native to California; these are dying are in need of protection as some of them have died. I’m not aware of any initiatives by my opponent in this matter.
CA-12
Dr. Jennifer Tran
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Unsure
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Unsure
The HPF does important work, but the funding for it should come from raising taxes on billionaires and corporations, not off-shore oil leasing.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Unsure
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Yes, historic preservation plays a massive role in California. It’s vital to preserving so much of our culture and resources.
CA-30
Laura Friedman
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
As a longtime historic preservation activist, I have seen incentives such as the Historic Preservation Fund used to protect, and offer public access to, our treasured resources. I am committed to the health of the Fund.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
The Historic Tax Credit is an important tool to incentive preservation, and to assist property owners in the sometimes daunting process of maintaining an historic property. It is an essential tool which should be enhanced.
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
The easement is another great incentive to encourage property owners to protect and restore historic resources.
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
I have been a strong and longtime supporter of the historic resource requirements in CEQA, California’s version of NEPA. In fact, I have used CEQA as both an activist and local policy maker to compel the protection of historic resources in the planning and project process. I would certainly work to ensure that NEPA strongly protects historic resources.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
I came to politics through my volunteer work in historic preservation. For years I was the Vice Chair and the Commercial Chair for the LA Conservancy’s Modern Committee (Modcom). I was also on the board of the Society of Architectural Historians and have been a member of the Glendale Historic Society. Preserving historic resources is incredibly important in my district, both for tourism and for our community’s sense of place and of local history. I will always be a huge champion for policies protecting our historic resources.
CA-30
Alex Balekian
Republican
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
My home district of CA-30 has old Hollywood buildings and monuments that would benefit from historic preservation. My husband and I bought an 1860 historic home in upstate NY and are painstakingly restoring it and are applying to the federal historic preservation tax credit.
CA-34
David Kim
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is crucial in safeguarding our nation’s cultural heritage. As a strong advocate for community preservation and equitable development, I believe that maintaining and increasing funding for the HPF ensures that we protect historical sites and cultural resources that are significant to diverse communities. This funding not only preserves history but also supports local economies, particularly in underserved areas, by promoting heritage tourism and creating jobs related to historic preservation projects.
Reauthorizing and increasing the HPF is essential to address the inflationary pressures and the growing needs of historic preservation across the country. An increase in funding would allow for the expansion of grant programs that protect underrepresented communities’ heritage and support Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). By advocating for this increase, we can ensure that the HPF continues to play a pivotal role in revitalizing neighborhoods and protecting the historic fabric of our nation for future generations.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
The Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program is an invaluable tool for stimulating private investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Modernizing and enhancing the HTC is necessary to restore its value and accessibility, especially in light of recent challenges such as unfavorable IRS guidance and economic pressures. Enhancing the HTC would help level the playing field for smaller and rural communities, which often struggle to attract investment. This aligns with my commitment to equitable development and ensuring that all communities, regardless of size or economic status, have the tools needed to preserve their historical assets.
The Federal Historic Preservation Easement program is a critical incentive for property owners to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of their buildings. By providing tax deductions for the donation of preservation easements, this program not only safeguards historical properties but also encourages the involvement of private entities in historic preservation efforts. Supporting this program aligns with my broader goal of fostering public-private partnerships that contribute to community enrichment and historical preservation.
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
The inclusion of historic and cultural resource considerations in federal project planning is a fundamental aspect of responsible governance. Policies like Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) ensure that federal projects do not proceed at the expense of our cultural heritage. As a proponent of comprehensive environmental and cultural impact assessments, I believe that these protections are vital for preserving the historical and cultural identity of communities, particularly those of marginalized groups whose heritage is often overlooked in the planning process.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Yes, historic preservation is indeed significant in California’s 34th Congressional District, which is home to numerous historic sites that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of our community. For example, the Highland Park neighborhood, with its rich history and architecturally significant buildings, serves as a living testament to the area’s development over the past century. The preservation of such sites not only honors our past but also fosters a sense of identity and pride among residents. Personally, I am committed to ensuring that our district’s history is preserved and that historic sites are accessible to all, serving as educational resources and cultural touchstones for future generations.
CA-42
John Briscoe
Republican
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Tax rebate & reductions work well.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Tax credits are especially effective.
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Easements assure continued preservation beyond the present.
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Federal Project Planning must consider all aspects.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
YES
CA-48
Stephen Houlahan
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Yes, Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego houses the famous Mission Trails Dam. That any many other historic features exist within the park including Native American Grinding Stones and other relics of prehistoric peoples. As the President of Save Mission Trails, I have been instrumental in the preservation and expansion of the park.

