Common sense.
Common ground.
A retired Navy Commander and combat veteran running to bring proven leadership, not partisan theater, home to California’s Central Coast.
A problem solver,
not a politician.
Bob has spent his life leading teams, solving hard problems, and serving his country. He is not running to build a political career. He is running because the Central Coast needs more than another predictable vote in Washington.
This district has been represented by the same person since January 2017. Carbajal is a decent man and this is not about his character. It is about what nine years produced. Bob believes public office should be public service, not a career ladder.
Systems engineer
Central Coast local
Carbajalvs.Bob Smith
22 years in office. What’s the record?
| The record | CarbajalIncumbent | Bob SmithRetired Navy Commander |
|---|---|---|
| In office | ||
| Years in elected officeLess is better | Carbajal
22
County supervisor, then Congress
|
Bob Smith
0
First run for office
|
| Bills written that never got a voteLess is better | Carbajal
115
Of 127 introduced
|
Bob Smith
0
Nothing left in a drawer
|
| Money from political committeesLess is better | Carbajal
$4,025,858
Six cycles, reported to the FEC
|
Bob Smith
$0
No PAC money
|
| Ban on members of Congress trading stockYes is better | Carbajal
Voted no
Bundled with voter ID. Passed 232 to 198 without him
|
Bob Smith
Yes
A clean, standalone ban
|
| Answered the debate challengeYes is better | Carbajal
No
Answer asked for by Sept 8
|
Bob Smith
Asked
|
| Bills authored into standalone lawMore is better | Carbajal
1
Renamed a post office in Santa Maria. H.R. 7158, signed Jan 4, 2025
|
Bob Smith
Not yet
Not yet in office. Level III certified in program management and systems engineering
|
| In service | ||
| Military serviceMore is better | Carbajal
8
Years, Marine Corps Reserve. Mobilized stateside in 1991
|
Bob Smith
26
Years of active duty, U.S. Navy
|
| Days deployedMore is better | Carbajal
0
His own bio lists only a stateside mobilization
|
Bob Smith
900+
Combat veteran
|
| Pentagon top-tier programs ledMore is better | Carbajal
0
|
Bob Smith
2
ACAT ID, the highest tier. Program manager and lead integrator
|
| Rows won | Carbajal1 | Bob Smith8 |
A filled mark shows who wins the row.
Sources: congress.gov; House Clerk roll call 280; FEC filings to June 30, 2026; Center for Effective Lawmaking; DoDI 5000.85; Defense Acquisition University; history.house.gov; saludcarbajal.com.
“The greatest compliment and respect in my life was being treated as a sailor and a warfighter. Bob did this every day.”
Common sense for CD-24
Affordability
Cut wasteful spending, lower the cost of housing, energy, and food, and expand homeownership for working families.
Education
Reading, math, and STEM excellence, vocational pathways, and research partnerships with UCSB and Cal Poly.
Energy and Water
A balanced grid with reliable baseload power, coastline protection, and secure water storage and drought resilience. See what is planned off Morro Bay
Immigration
Secure the border, remove violent offenders, provide legal clarity for long term residents, and modernize agricultural and seasonal visas.
Defending America
Stop fentanyl at the source, lead in AI and cyber defense, and strengthen Vandenberg SFB and Naval Base Ventura County.
Every pillar ladders back to one thing.
Solving real problems for Central Coast families and bringing federal resources home.
“The challenges we face are not partisan. They are practical.”
Cmdr. Bob Smith, USN (Ret.)
Meet Bob, in his own words
Three ways to help right now
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Updates from the road
Town halls, coffee stops, and volunteer days across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. We will send you the schedule and the ways to help closest to home.