Who is Katherine Aleman? Inland Empire Teacher Running to Unseat Rep. Ken Calvert in 2026

Katherine Aleman, a school teacher and part-time chicken farmer from Corona, California, has officially entered the race to challenge long-time Republican Congressman Ken Calvert in the 2026 U.S. House elections. Aleman is running for the 41st Congressional District seat, which includes parts of Riverside County and the Coachella Valley.

Aleman is a Democrat and a mother of four. She teaches middle school and also runs a small egg business from her family’s backyard farm called Fluffy Butt Ranch. The ranch started during the COVID-19 pandemic when her family needed fresh eggs. It later grew into a small side business.

In addition to teaching, Aleman helps students with food insecurity through a chicken club she runs at her school. Students receive farm-fresh eggs, which also serve as a learning tool and a nutritional boost.

A Strong Local Background

Aleman has lived in the Inland Empire her entire life. She brings a working-class perspective to the race. She said that people in her community can no longer afford to live where they grew up. Her message centers around affordability, veterans’ issues, and education.

She is the daughter of a Marine helicopter pilot and an elementary school principal. Aleman also served in the Peace Corps for two years in Paraguay, where she became fluent in Spanish. This could be a strong advantage in the district, where nearly 40% of residents are Hispanic.

Endorsement from a Political Veteran

Former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer has publicly endorsed Aleman. Boxer, a Democratic icon in California, praised Aleman’s honesty and deep ties to the district. She said Aleman is a “homegrown leader” who understands the struggles of regular families.

Aleman previously served on the Norco City Council. She was the only Democrat on the council and won in a city with a strong Republican majority. Though she lost her reelection bid in 2023, her win in 2020 showed she could earn support across party lines.

Facing a Tough Opponent

Ken Calvert has held his seat in Congress for over 30 years. He is one of the most experienced Republicans in California. Calvert has raised over $2.5 million for his campaign, far more than any Democratic challenger.

Calvert has survived multiple challenges, even after controversial votes, such as opposing the 2020 election results. However, Democrats hope Aleman can finally defeat him by appealing to the district’s western, working-class side.

A Crowded Democratic Field

Aleman is not the only Democrat in the race. Others include:

• Brandon Riker, a former Vermont lieutenant governor candidate

• Anuj Dixit, a civil rights lawyer from Riverside

• Tim Myers, a musician, dropped out to run for lieutenant governor instead

Aleman’s team believes her local roots and real-life experiences make her stand out. Political strategist Orrin Evans, who works with her campaign, said Aleman is exactly the type of candidate Democrats need.

Final Thoughts

Katherine Aleman’s campaign is just getting started, but she has already gained important support. Her message of economic fairness, education reform, and community connection may strike a chord in California’s 41st District.

As the 2026 elections approach, voters will be watching closely to see if a schoolteacher from Corona can unseat one of California’s most powerful Republicans.