Congressman Mike Levin recently penned an op-ed claiming to champion “common sense” in Washington. I read it. And I have to say — if that’s what he calls common sense, it’s no wonder San Diego and Orange County families are struggling more than ever.

Because when you strip away the talking points, Mike Levin’s voting record reveals something else entirely: an extreme agenda that mirrors Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the far left, not the families he’s supposed to represent.

Earlier this year, Levin voted against the Officer Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act — a straightforward bill to crack down on high-speed chases by drug cartels and other criminals along our southern border. The bill was named after a fallen Border Patrol agent. It aimed to protect law enforcement and innocent civilians alike. But Mike Levin said no.

Why? Because protecting our communities apparently comes second to protecting his political brand.

And when it comes to protecting the integrity of our elections, Mike Levin struck out again. He voted against requiring voter ID — something supported by over 80% of Americans. Voter ID laws are a commonsense way to ensure every legal vote counts and every illegal vote doesn’t. That shouldn’t be controversial. But to Levin, it is.

Even more shocking: Mike Levin voted to allow men to compete in women’s sports. That’s not fairness. It’s not science. And it’s not something the vast majority of people in this district support. Once again, Levin put ideology ahead of reality — and young women are paying the price.

Levin opposed a government funding bill that included basic voter protections and increased support for veterans. He called it “extremist.” I call that out of touch.

And when Levin had the chance to fight inflation, he made it worse. He proudly supported the so-called Inflation Reduction Act — a massive spending bill that did nothing to reduce inflation, but everything to raise the cost of energy, groceries, and everyday life. That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s political theater — and we’re all footing the bill.

This is the same Mike Levin who backed the Green New Deal — a symbolic resolution that had nothing to do with real environmental stewardship and everything to do with reshaping the economy around government control.

But here’s what voters in California’s 49th District should really ask: What has Mike Levin done with the seven years he’s had in Congress?

He’s had seven years to secure our border — and instead, it’s been overrun. Millions of illegal immigrants have crossed into our country in the last four years alone, overwhelming our resources, law enforcement, and public services.

He’s had seven years to make California more affordable — and instead, people are fleeing in record numbers. Families can’t afford to buy a home. Seniors are being priced out of their neighborhoods. Small businesses are drowning in taxes and regulation.

Levin talks like a problem solver, but he’s had the power to fix these things — and he didn’t.

Mike Levin doesn’t stand for common sense. He stands with the Squad, with far-left ideologues, and with a failed agenda that’s making life harder for everyday Californians.

In Congress, I’ll do the opposite. I’ll fight to secure the border, protect our kids, reduce costs, and restore balance and sanity to Washington.

It’s time for leadership rooted in reality — not slogans. Results, not rhetoric.

California deserves better.

Jim Desmond serves on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and is a candidate for Congress in the 49th Congressional District.