Facing a GOP‑on‑GOP showdown, Rep. Young Kim ties federal housing finance reforms to soaring costs while standing by a controversial Iran strike.
Key points
- Kim links federal housing‑finance measures, such as low‑income tax credits, to efforts to ease California’s housing affordability crisis.
- She continues to back the Trump‑era Iran strike, arguing it has limited Iran’s nuclear capabilities despite polling showing statewide opposition.
- Kim attributes California’s higher gas prices to both state policies and the temporary disruption of oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
- While praising border security gains, she advocates for expanding legal immigration pathways.
Rep. Young Kim, the Republican incumbent for California’s 40th congressional district, spoke with KVRC’s Madison Aument about the issues voters say matter most – housing and food costs, energy prices, foreign policy and immigration – as she seeks another term in a district that stretches from inland Riverside County to inland Orange County.
Kim said affordability is the defining theme of the 2026 election cycle and pointed to her work on the House Financial Services Committee, where she helped unlock federal capital for low‑income tax credits and other financing tools that she says enable developers to build more housing for Californians.
Affordability as a campaign priority
When asked about her earlier support for President Trump’s decision to strike Iran, Kim reiterated that the action was necessary to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, noting that the strike “crippled” the program and that the United States now hopes the Iranian people will pursue regime change on their own terms.
Kim acknowledged that the Iran conflict may have contributed to higher gasoline prices, especially given disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, but also blamed California‑specific policies for the state’s gas prices being $1‑$2 above the national average, adding that the situation should improve once the conflict ends.
Iran strike and energy implications
On immigration, Kim highlighted that the border has been “secured” under the Trump administration and said the focus should now shift to providing legal pathways for those who wish to come to the United States, referencing her own experience as an immigrant from South Korea.
Addressing criticism from her primary opponent Ken Calvert for removing references to Trump from her campaign website, Kim called the attack a “hypocritical double standard,” emphasizing that her messaging remains centered on the “bread‑and‑butter” issues that affect her constituents.
Reader questions
What is Rep. Young Kim’s position on the U.S. strike against Iran?
Kim says she supports the initial Trump‑ordered strike, stating it crippled Iran’s nuclear program and that the United States should now let Iranians decide their own future.
How does Kim propose to address housing affordability in her district?
She points to her role on the House Financial Services Committee, where she helped release federal capital and expand low‑income tax credits to encourage developers to build more affordable housing.
What is Kim’s stance on immigration enforcement?
Kim claims the border has been secured under the Trump administration and says the next focus should be on expanding legal pathways for immigration, reflecting her own immigrant background.
Source: kvcrnews.org
