Decision 2026
Congressional Candidate Brandon Riker Addresses Economy and Housing Costs at Palm Springs Town Hall
With California's primary election just two weeks away, Democratic congressional candidate Brandon Riker hosted a town hall meeting at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs. The event marks the eleventh town hall for Riker as he campaigns to represent the newly redrawn 48th congressional district.
Riker is positioning his campaign around economic reform, highlighting that if elected, he would serve as the only trained economist in the U.S. House of Representatives. He noted that the decision to focus heavily on pocketbook issues comes directly from the concerns he has heard from voters while touring the district, which spans communities from Palm Springs and Idyllwild to Hemet, Temecula, Escondido, San Marcos, and Vista.
A centerpiece of Riker's platform is a proposal to make the first 50,000 dollars of federal income tax-free for every working American. Riker argues this adjustment would provide immediate financial relief to families currently struggling with the rising cost of living across Southern California.
In addition to income tax reform, Riker addressed the long-term solvency of entitlement programs. He proposed eliminating the current FICA cap on income for Social Security, requiring higher earners to pay into the system on all of their wages. Riker stated that this change would fully fund Social Security for generations to come while allowing the federal government to reliably raise the annual cost of living adjustment for seniors.
The candidate also touched upon the growing home insurance crisis impacting California residents. As private insurers continue to pull out of the state or drastically raise rates due to wildfire risks, Riker called for a federal catastrophic insurance program to help people stay in their homes without being priced out by soaring premiums. His platform also includes measures aimed at strengthening checks and balances to safeguard the executive branch.
As the June primary approaches, the race for the competitive 48th district remains a focal point for voters in the region. Comprehensive coverage of all local and state candidates can be found on the NBC Palm Springs Decision 2026 page.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 17, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
As the Lindsay Clancy trial begins to close, discussions regarding postpartum mental health and postpartum care have began to draw attention to the level of care needed after childbirth. Maria Noble Valdez looked at this discussion locally with a mental health expert and mom here in Coachella Valley. #lindsayclancytrial #pospartum #mentalhealth #760 #nationalnews
EVEN PARKING HAS A VIP SECTION? A mall in Bakersfield is charging shoppers up to $10 a day for preferred parking spots closer to the entrance. So we had to ask: Would you pay for a better parking spot? And could paid parking eventually come to Valley malls? Fred Roggin and the panel weigh in on this week’s Roggin Report. Would you pay $10 for a prime parking spot? #RogginReport #FredRoggin #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Parking
📞 Call 760.466.0800 or visit DAPHealth.org to schedule your appointment today! Flu viruses change every year, and getting vaccinated is the best way to strengthen your immune system, lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization, and protect your loved ones. Sponsored by: DAP Health
A wedding day they’ll never forget. 💍🌊 A couple in the Philippines refused to let monsoon flooding wash away their special day — exchanging vows while standing waist-deep in floodwaters. Talk about making a splash on your wedding day! #WeddingDay #Philippines #Flooding #Monsoon #Wedding #Love #NBCPalmSprings
Idyllwild’s Mayor Max III is turning four! Yes, you read that right — Idyllwild has a canine mayor, and Mayor Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III is celebrating his fourth birthday this week. Max is part of a tradition that began in 2012, when the mountain community first elected a dog as mayor. His “campaign donations”? Belly rubs and dog treats. Mayor Max’s birthday celebration is happening Saturday, September 5, at Mountain Paws in Idyllwild, and the community is invited. Come celebrate the mayor — and maybe bring a treat. #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #MayorMax #MayorMaxIII #PalmSprings CoachellaValley DogsOfInstagram DogMayor CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
More than 2,000 rescues — and the year isn’t over yet. Santa Clemente lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the Pacific as they prepare for potentially stronger surf and bigger waves this winter. From Tower Zero, lifeguards monitor the entire beach and use cameras to spot trouble in the water. One of their biggest concerns? Rip currents, which can pull swimmers far from shore. With more rescues already this year than all of last year, lifeguards say the key is simple: be ready before someone needs help. #SanClemente #Lifeguards #OceanSafety #RipCurrents #BeachSafety SurfSafety SouthernCalifornia PacificOcean NBCPalmSprings
The Salton Sea is at a crossroads. From a massive restoration project bringing habitat back to the shoreline, to a potential lithium boom, and the new Salton Sea Conservancy, its future is being shaped right now. We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what comes next for the Salton Sea. In our newest 30-minute report, go behind-the-scenes with the state’s conservation team, learn about updated timlines from lithium executives, and hear how former political leaders paved the way. Restoring the Salton Sea: Progress, Promise and Pressure. Streaming this Sunday on NBC Palm Springs. #saltonsea #lithiumvalley #saltonseaconservancy #marybono
A few PSUSD students will get a unique opportunity to learn more about careers in Aviation at the Palm Springs Air Museum with the districts launch of their Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration Program. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to learn all about this. #palmspringsairmuseum #palmsprings #aviationeducation #psusd #backtoschool
Escape to the mountains without spending a fortune. Looking for a unique getaway? Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast in Idyllwild offers themed rooms, retro arcade games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, nightly camp movies and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain air. And there’s a special deal for NBC Palm Springs viewers: 15% off your stay 20% off additional nights when available Use code NBCPalmSprings at checkout The adults-only property also offers a relaxed 420-friendly atmosphere and complimentary breakfast, including a memorable cannabis-leaf-shaped waffle. Would you stay here for a mountain getaway? #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #HicksvillePines #MountainGetaway #CaliforniaGetaway WeekendGetaway CoachellaValley TravelCalifornia