Heidi Hall Announces Congressional Bid Against Kevin Kiley in California’s 3rd District

Nevada County Supervisor Heidi Hall formally announced her candidacy for Congress in California’s 3rd Congressional District, challenging incumbent Republican Representative Kevin Kiley in the 2026 election. Democrat Hall filed her candidacy this week, aiming to represent a district that spans rural and suburban communities from the Sierra Nevada to Death Valley. The announcement, made in Grass Valley, marks Hall’s second attempt at a congressional seat, having previously run in 2014 for California’s 1st District.

Hall’s career is government employment

Hall’s campaign emphasizes her experience as a public servant and local leader. She has served as a Nevada County Supervisor since 2016, currently in her second term as Chair of the Board. Before entering local politics, Hall worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she focused on water and resource management. While she was a supervisor in Nevada County, she also held a position at the California Department of Water Resources, managing conservation and environmental projects. Hall highlighted her work on wildfire protection, the fire insurance crisis, and public land preservation as key achievements during her tenure as supervisor. Her campaign website underscores her commitment to addressing Medi-Cal funding, affordable housing, and opposing what she describes as toxic politics in Washington.

District leans moderately towards Kiley

The 3rd Congressional District, rated R+2 by the Cook Political Report, is considered a moderately competitive seat, though Kiley has secured it in the last two elections. Kiley, first elected in 2022, defeated Democrat Kermit Jones by 7 percentage points and Jessica Morse by 11% in 2024. With nearly one million dollars in campaign funds reported in early 2025, Kiley remains a formidable opponent. Hall’s candidacy has garnered attention from progressive groups like EMILYs List, which included Kiley among 46 Republican targets for Democratic challengers in 2026.

DUI and double dipping on taxpayer dollars likely to become a campaign issue

Hall’s announcement comes with scrutiny of her past including a 2017 DUI conviction. Almost three times over the legal limit, Hall pleaded guilty to two DUI charges in Nevada County stemming from a drunken incident in a parking lot at a local little league field that led to her sentencing in November 2017. The conviction drew public attention, as it occurred during her first term as a county supervisor. Hall has not publicly commented on the incident in the context of her current campaign, but it remains a point of discussion among voters.

Additionally, Hall faced allegations of “double dipping” during her time at the Department of Water Resources and concurrently as a paid supervisor in Nevada County. Critics claimed she improperly received compensation for overlapping roles, raising questions about her financial conduct in public service. The accusations surfaced during her 2024 supervisor campaign and may resurface as she seeks higher office. Hall’s campaign has not addressed these claims directly, focusing instead on her record of environmental advocacy and local governance.

Hall defeated by LaMalfa in 2014

Other challenges from Hall’s past include her 2014 loss to Republican Doug LaMalfa in the 1st Congressional District. Despite advancing past the primary, Hall was defeated in the general election, with LaMalfa securing a significant fundraising advantage. Her 2014 campaign focused on environmental protection and veterans’ healthcare but struggled to gain traction in a heavily Republican district. Some voters have questioned whether Hall can overcome similar challenges in the 3rd District, which, while more competitive, still leans Republican.

Hall’s announcement has sparked early interest in the 2026 race, with local media noting her emphasis on rural issues like wildfire mitigation and healthcare access. Kiley, meanwhile, continues to prioritize constituent services, with his office reporting over 3,700 closed cases and $9 million returned to district residents. Neither campaign has issued statements responding to the other’s platform at this stage.

As the race develops, Hall’s experience and past controversies will likely shape voter perceptions. The primary election is set for early 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026. For more information, visit Hall’s campaign website at www.heidihall.com or Kiley’s campaign website at www.electkevinkiley.com.