Chi “Charlie” Nguyen, CA-45 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire – San Bernardino Sun

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Chi “”Charlie”” Nguyen

Current job title: Mayor

Age: 61

Political party affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Director of the Midway City Sanitary District

City where you reside: Westminster

Campaign website or social media: charlieforcongress.com

From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)

The most important issue facing voters is securing the border and fighting illegal immigration. As a legal immigrant who came to America alone at 14 years of age, I know how important it is to have a controlled border and a functioning immigration system. For too long, members of both parties neglected this fundamental issue, until President Trump finally secured the border and gave our immigration enforcement officers the resources they need to get violent criminals off of our streets. As a Member of Congress, I will support President Trump’s agenda by voting to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and all related legislation to protect our border and keep Californians safe.

Secondly, I understand that Californians are struggling with high prices, and the disastrous inflation caused by Joe Biden remains a challenge. I will work with Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation that will help make prices more affordable for all Californians. Specifically, this means getting rid of burdensome regulations on small businesses, promoting fair trade and lowering taxes on California families.

Finally, we must ensure full faith and security in our elections by passing the SAVE America Act. If it does not become law under the current Congress, I will fight to pass it when I am elected. We must only allow eligible citizens to vote, and must require a valid form of Identification to participate in this sacred right of voting.

Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I strongly support the SAVE America Act, which would require a valid ID and citizenship in order to vote. Beyond that, the Federal Government must ensure Americans have faith and confidence in our voting systems, which at present, they simply do not. This is especially a problem in California, where we sometimes have to wait weeks to get election results. This can lead to confusion, suspicions and, in my view, increases the opportunity for fraud and corruption.

I escaped an authoritarian, communist regime where citizens did not have the right to vote or participate in any of the rights of a free people. I simply cannot fathom the idea of allowing this incredibly important right to be abused or negated by illegal or unethical behavior; every illegal vote that is cast actually disenfranchises a legal voter, and I am passionate about defending the systems that keep our country free and our Republic thriving.

What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Thanks to President Trump, our border is finally secure, and we must continue to fully fund border security efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of our country; this is more than just a legal issue, it is a public safety issue. Our kids are exposed to the deadly evils of fentanyl, young girls are targets for human trafficking, and crime runs rampant when illegal immigration is not held in check. The first priority of the Federal Government is to keep us safe, and that’s what President Trump is doing, and that’s why I support his agenda.

We cannot have a system that rewards illegal activity, which is why I oppose any form of amnesty. I came here legally, over 40 years ago. I went through the process as a teenager, with no family to help me. So I know it can be done, and we should not allow anyone to jump to the front of the line ahead of those who choose to respect our laws and honor the process.

It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

My biggest problem with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership style is that he chooses to antagonize his political opponents, instead of working with them. As a member of Congress, as I have done as mayor, I will work to bring political adversaries together in service to the people of California, specifically, to support recovery efforts in the Palisades and Eaton.

I have been successful my whole life in working with anyone who wants to improve the lives of our citizens, and I would gladly be a voice for anyone who needs help; I will be a representative for all citizens of the 45th Congressional District.

Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes. This is fundamental. No member of Congress should be able to use non-public information to enrich themselves personally. This goes back to ensuring that our citizens have faith in our government. When voters believe that elected officials are enriching themselves and getting an unfair advantage, they will not trust us or believe that we are working in their best interests.

I personally will promise not to participate in any individual stock trades while in Congress, and I urge my opponents of both parties to do the same.

Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Absolutely not. These regulations and taxes are harmful to everyday Americans. We should instead continue President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy. This will allow us to bring the everyday costs of energy and gas prices, both of which are out of control in California. If we are serious about finding reliable and environmentally sustainable solutions to energy, we should pursue the expansion of nuclear energy. Through innovation and technological research, America has steadily reduced its carbon emissions. We should not punish Americans for the pollution created by other countries, such as China.

President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I absolutely support President Trump and his efforts to rebuild our military, strengthen our defense systems, and make sure our men and women in uniform have all of the resources they need to keep us safe. Our military floundered under Joe Biden…who can forget the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, and how humiliating that was for us as Americans to watch?

Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The US should carefully reserve military action and declarations of war to only specific circumstances when we are defending our own country and protecting America’s interests. There is no one braver in our great country than the men and women of our armed forces, and they deserve careful consideration for when we ask them to make incredibly large sacrifices. Our sons and daughters should not be sent to war to defend foreign interests and arbitrarily serve as the world police, but only when absolutely necessary to protect America. Our foreign policy should always reflect the America First agenda of President Trump.

Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Article I Section 8 gives Congress the sole authority to declare war. The Founding Fathers recognized that the Executive Branch is most prone to war and less directly accountable to constituents compared to the Legislative Branch. This is an extremely serious topic that deserves the voice of the American people to be heard and represented.

The President, as commander-in-chief, may deem that military action is needed to protect the American people and keep us safe. In these situations, a narrow, targeted engagement with a clear objective and strategy may be necessary. The President must have the ability to ensure the safety of our country and our families.

Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I am far more concerned with Democrats in Congress being obstructionists to President Trump’s agenda. From the Save America Act to the Big Beautiful Bill, Congressional Democrats have consistently opposed President Trump for purely partisan reasons, and that’s why I’m running for Congress. I will fight for the America First agenda, and always put my constituents ahead of partisan politics.

Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

My wife and I raised three children, so protecting our youth is something that is personal to many Americans and me. Much of this responsibility should fall under the role parents play in raising their kids, and we should be careful not to outsource personal responsibility to the government. Congress should exercise restraint as to not violate the First Amendment, but there are some common-sense measures we can all agree on to protect children, such as prohibiting harmful or inappropriate content from reaching users under the age of 18.

Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Democrats have engaged in harmful rhetoric and policy decisions to defund the police. I believe we should fully support and fund the police. We should impeach and remove the Soros-funded prosecutors, DAs, and judges who are weak on crime and let criminals run rampant in society.

I support President Trump’s agenda for a secure border and mass deportations of illegal aliens. Our country is far less safe if we continue to willingly allow this foreign invasion to occur, which floods our country with criminals, violence, and drugs. Sanctuary cities are a problem. Article I Section 8 gives Congress the authority to regulate immigration policies. If any local entities actively defy federal immigration law, we should remove and prosecute these local officials harboring illegal aliens. I support withholding federal funding from cities/states that defy immigration laws.

I support the bill to pass either national reciprocity and/or national constitutional carry. American citizens should not have to petition the government, especially the corrupt and morally bankrupt California legislature, to exercise their rights. Every citizen should be able to protect themselves and practice their Second Amendment rights, particularly in a state like California that is weak on crime and cannot meaningfully protect the safety of their citizens.

There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes. Congress is meant to be filled with civil servants representing the will of their constituents, not to be a retirement home. I would support a constitutional amendment to limit members of the House to five two-year terms, and senators to two six-year terms.

What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Coaching youth basketball to championship levels, organizing Catholic conferences for youth and young adults, and enjoying a good karaoke night.