A roll of stickers is on a white table. The stickers are on their sides. Each sticker has a blue area on top, with small white stars in it. The middle of the stickers say "I voted". The bottom part of the sticker has horizontal red and white lines.

California has more congressional districts than other states. In 2022, all of the districts in California held an election. Here is what happened in congressional districts 11 through 20.

California’s 11th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s District 11th Congressional District:

California’s 11th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California and is represented by Nancy Pelosi.

Before redistricting, the 11th district consisted of most of Contra Costa County. Mark DeSaulnier, a Democrat, represented the district from January 2015 to January 2023. Cities and CDPs in the district included Alamo, Bay Point, Blackhawk, Clayton, Concord, Diablo, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Richmond, and Walnut Creek; most of Danville; and parts of Antioch and Martinez.

Following redistricting in 2021 by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, the 11th district is entirely in San Francisco, and includes most of the city with the exception of the Excelsior District, Visitacion Valley, Portola, and Ocean View on the city’s southern edge. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will represent the new 11th District.

Ballotpedia provided the following information on Nancy Pelosi:

Nancy Pelosi (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 11th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2023. Her current term ends January 3, 2025.

Pelosi (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. She won the general election on November 8, 2022.

Pelosi is the first and only woman to serve as speaker of the House. Pelosi was first elected to the U.S. House in a special election in 1987 to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, in which she represented until her election to California’s 8th Congressional District in 2012. In 2022, she was elected minority leader, becoming the highest-ranking congresswoman of either party in U.S. history. When Democrats took control of the House in 2007, Pelosi made history again with her election of speaker of the House.

Ballotpedia provided information about John Dennis:

John Dennis (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

John Dennis was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and lives in San Francisco, California. Dennis earned degree in business administration from Fordham University in 1985. His career experience includes working as a real estate developer.

Our Campaigns posted information about John Dennis. The most recent update of the page was on July 22, 2022. From the website:

Contributor: Patrick

Tags: Caucasian – Married – NRA – Straight

John Dennis is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. John is running a campaign that highlights the failed policies of Nancy Pelosi, which have impacted all San Franciscans. These include Pelosi’s ineffective economic stimulus programs that have added over one trillion dollars to America’s growing debt and have done little to lower high unemployment in San Francisco and around the country. He opposes the aimless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that have resulted in thousands of casualties and a total cost of over one trillion dollars. He opposes her failure to protect individual rights and privacy; for example, the failure to repeal either “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or the Patriot Act.

To address the trillions in growing U.S. debt, as well as current deficits, he supports cuts in the budget. These cuts include foreign military spending, notably savings achieved by ending the wars and returning the troops to the U.S. He advocates protecting personal liberties and privacy as it applies to orientation, drug consumption, and domestic intelligence surveillance. 

John Dennis has garnered support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents and has been endorsed by former Vice Presidential candidate Matt Gonzalez and activist groups like the Log Cabin Republicans. John and his wife Heather live and work in San Francisco.

Ballotpedia provided information about Shahid Buttar:

Shahid Buttar (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Shahid Buttar was born in London, England. Buttar earned a B.A. from Loyola University Chicago and a J.D. from Stanford University Law School in 2003. His career experience includes working as a legal advocate and the director of grassroots advocacy of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. He is affiliated with the Bill of Rights Defense Committee (now Defending Rights and Dissent), Muslim Advocates, and the American Constitution Society for Law & Policy.

Shahid Buttar filled out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Shahid has been building social movements and speaking truth to power for two decades. He’s an immigrant of Pakistani descent from the United Kingdom and the youngest of four children who grew up in the midwest. Since graduating from Stanford Law School in 2023, Shahid has worked in both San Francisco and Washington as a legal advocate, a non-profit leader, a grassroots organizer, and a poet & musician.

His wide-ranging work reflects a commitment to intersectional feminism, international human rights, and the future we all share. His passions have long been aligned around a common purpose: building the movement to put human rights and human needs before corporate profits.

An early advocate for marriage equality for same-sex couples and a national leader in the movement to end warrantless government surveillance, Shahid also built a national grassroots network for the Electronic Frontier Foundation as the organization’s Director of Grassroots Advocacy.

In addition to LGBTQ rights, privacy, and the right to encryption, Shahid’s work has also advanced immigrant rights, campaign finance reform, government transparency, international human rights, and police accountability. His writing has explored issues from the right-wing attack on reproductive freedom to the erosion of voting rights, and from effective counter-terrorism strategies to examples of counter-cultural activism promoting progressive politics at the intersection of art and organizing.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • The corporate corruption of Congress is outrageously bipartisan, has infected every are of federal policy, and will run the future off a climate cliff unless we force change from the bottom up.
  • San Francisco’s voice in Congress is a poster child of corporate corruption. The overdue controversy over insider trading is just one example.
  • Human rights to healthcare and climate justice are more important than Wall Street profits. A Congress of millionaires is not poised to make the changes we need.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Establishing human rights to all basic human needs, including healthcare and housing.

Securing climate justice, including not only a Green New Deal but also nationalizing the fossil fuel sector.

Checking and balancing right wing costs by ending judicial life tenure to force turnover on the bench.

Restoring freedom of conscience and association by ending mass surveillance

Restoring the right to trial in the face of predatory mass incarceration and industrialized slavery.

Ballotpedia provided information about Eve Del Castello:

Eve Del Castello (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. Castello lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Eve Del Castello’s career experience includes working as a business consultant.

Ballotpedia provided information about Jeffrey Phillips:

Jeffrey Phillips (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Jeffery Phillips was born in Walnut Creek, California. Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree from the California Institute of Technology in 2007.

Jeffrey Phillips completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m not a millionaire, a lawyer, or a career politician. I grew up in the Bay Area, attended public schools in a middle class suburb, made it to Caltech. I met geniuses, and I’m not one; I’m just a regular guy. I struggled through the recession, stuck close to home caring for parents, working odd jobs and eventually gig work, which has paid less and less. I see my dreams of marriage, family, and home ownership fading away in the horizon, and I know I’m not the only one just barely getting by, stuck between low wages and rising rents.

And I’ve looked up at my representative, and I don’t see the urgency. I don;’t even hear the recognition that we NEED living wages, reliable health care, affordable housing, recognition of citizenship, voting protections, a shift to wealth taxes, and a generational investment in clean, renewable power.

This policy agenda is not new. It’s not unique or creative. But what we need to make it happen are the numbers in the House and Senate. I am here to stand as a part of that groundswell to finally make the dreams of progress born in the last century a reality in this one.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Medicare for All. Having multiple insurance companies taking money from off the top to deny claims is the number one reason our health care is twice as expensive as any national system. And beyond administrative savings, decoupling health care from wages allows workers the freedom to work where they want, as much as they want, without worrying about benefits. Businesses will no longer have to provision payroll to benefits either. This common sense shift is half a century overdue, and every progressive in office brings it closer. We can, and we won’t stop until we do pass this. And with health care settled, we can focus on bargaining on the next step: RAISING MINIMUM WAGES on an automatic, annual schedule, indexed to inflation.
  • Housing is key to the growing inequality in this country. We created incentives to overbuild, oversell, over invest in the wrong types of construction; some people ask if building will even help anymore. The middle ground runs through an acknowledgement that each property is unique, and hits a different spot in the market. Building more Bentleys won’t do much for the price of a used Civic. We must incentivize modest, minimal housing that sells NEW for less than the current middle prices. And to unlock federal funds, we need to rewrite the Faircloth act. I look forward to local California state progressives rewriting the Costa-Hawkins bill. We can provide a place for new working families to thrive; we have to be smart and strategic about how.
  • Think about voting rights, house bill #1 – supposed to be important to safeguard the next election cycle, ensuring that all voters had every opportunity to make their voices heard. Likewise, immigration reform was supposed to bring a pathway to citizenship to the table, giving “Dreamers,” once children, already building family of their own, a chance to enjoy the freedoms, rights and protections due any American. These were the foundational pieces of a promising rights agenda, cast to the side because of the interests of a few Senators. These don’t go away. We have not forgotten. And the time is now to take the fight directly to the Senate, disrupt the stately order as much as necessary to haller these things trough the less-representative chamber.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Wealth taxes may be the most important tool we have to redirect the rapidly growing inequality in this country. And for most Americans, a focus on wealth rather than income will mean a lower tax bill, particularly in those years when people are growing families and livelihoods. Instead of a skin-in-the-game tax on your first paycheck, taxes should be borne by those who have “made it”, at a level where investment is more about accumulation than survival.

Many Americans never get there, but some were born there, live there, and will never pass beyond that comfortable bubble of vast, untouchable wealth. And those billionaires have been working for a hundred years to shield that wealth, and enshrine the notion that income is taxable, but the income on your income is somehow different, no mater if its an extra dollar or an extra billion.

Regular Americans have been left out in the cold in the wake of the pandemic, with stimulus that amounts to less than a few months’ rent. When so many Americans are starting over, rebuilding their lives, and often healing after irreplaceable losses, there is no moral course than to shift the burden to those who can bear it – to those who have asked regular workers to bear it for so long. We have so much more to gain from a strong, vigorous, thriving nation making half a billion decisions about where to put our money, than we would leaving the wealth of our nation to a few dozen wealth-hoarders to distort markets in million dollar tokens.

Ballotpedia provided information about Bianca Von Krieg:

Bianca Von Krieg (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 11th Congressional District. She lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Bianca Von Crei was born in San Francisco, California. Von Krieg earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree in systems engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her career experience includes working as an actress and systems engineer.

December 13: People posted an article titled: “House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Is Reportedly Planning to Run for Reelection in 2022”. From the article:

Rep. Nancy Pelosi plans to run for reelection in 2022.

The House Speaker, who will turn 82 in March, is very likely to keep the seat representing her San Francisco district and may also stay in a leadership role when the next Congress convenes after the midterm elections, CNN reports.

An election win in 2022 will precede an 18th full term for Pelosi, who was first elected House Speaker more than a decade ago. She held the position until Republicans claimed a majority in the House in 2012 and returned to the leadership role after the 2018 midterm elections. She’s the only woman to hold the Speaker’s gavel.

Pelosi was reelected Speaker this year despite five Democratic colleagues not voting for her.

After securing the Democratic caucus’ nomination to lead the House in 2020, Pelosi suggested it would be her last term as Speaker, saying she would abide by an agreement to put limits on leadership roles and committee chairs…

…After a vote in favor of Biden’s COVID stimulus package in march, the president called Pelosi “the finest and most capable speaker in the history of our nation.”…

January 25: Huffpost posted an article titled: “Nancy Pelosi Announces Run for Reelection in 2022” From the article:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced her bid for reelection in the 2022 midterms.

“While we have made progress, much more needs to be done to improve people’s lives,” Pelosi said in a post on Twitter. “This election is crucial: nothing less is at stake than our Democracy.”

Pelosi, 81, who has been in Congress for over three decades, did not announce a run for speaker. The California Democrat previously indicated that this current term would be her last time in the leadership post…

…The midterms may prove to be a challenge for Democrats to hold their majority in the House, where they only outnumber Republicans by a relatively slim margin of 222-212.

During Pelosi’s latest term as speaker, the House has passed significant legislation, such as providing stimulus checks and other aid to U.S. households during the coronavirus pandemic…

Ballotpedia provided the Nonpartisan Primary for U.S. House California District 11:

  • Nancy Pelosi (D): 71.7% – 133,798 votes
  • John Dennis (R): 10.7% – 20,054 votes
  • Shahid Buttar (D): 10.4% – 19,471 votes
  • Eve Del Castello (R): 3.9% – 7,319 votes
  • Jeffery Phillips (D): 1.9% – 3,595 votes
  • Bianca Von Krieg (D): 1.3% – 2,499 votes

October 28: San Francisco Examiner posted an opinion piece titled: “Among 291 election ‘deniers’ is San Francisco’s John Dennis”. From the opinion piece:

The front page of last week’s Washington Post screamed out a warning about the future of American democracy. “A majority of GOP nominees deny or question the 2020 election results,” read the headline. 

The analysis that followed claimed 291 Republicans – a majority of those running in November for a House, Senate or key statewide seat – are “election deniers.” The story quoted experts cautioning that Republicans have “institutionalized” the practice of rejecting election results they don’t like, posing a grave threat to the country’s democratic principles.

One of the 291 is San Francisco’s own John Dennis, a Republican who is fighting a quixotic battle to unseat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something he has done four previous times and failed.

I reached out to Dennis to find out what autocratic madness he was up to. Did he really believe that Congress should have overturned the will of the people on Jan. 6 2021, heeding President Donald Trump’s insistence that members refuse to certify the election results?

The short answer is no.

Like many Republicans, he questions the outcome. Dennis says he has spoken to “lawyers on the ground” who lead him to believe that there were enough “shenanigans” to have changed the election’s outcome, a suspicion multiple investigations have failed to validate.

“I find it really hard to believe that this guy (Biden), who didn’t campaign, who was clearly not at his best – and his best wasn’t great – and is now in serious cognitive decline … had the attraction to get people to go out and vote in numbers to beat Trump,” Dennis said.

However – and it’s a big however – Dennis doesn’t deny the outcome. He does not believe Congress had reason or the authority to deny Biden the presidency…

…It is important to distinguish between the willfully ignorant fringe of the Republican Party, who, stoked by Trump, are willing to abandon democratic norms, and disappointed conservatives such as Dennis who can’t believe Biden could legitimately win an election…

What makes Trump and his closest supports so dangerous is their refusal to accept an election they’ve lost no matter the facts nor the outcome of multiple appeals…

…Dennis acknowledges he is skeptical of the 2020 vote, but that doesn’t make him the sort of zealot who threatens the future of the Republic…

…It is a distinction not only lost on most readers, but even the Post’s own headline writers who labeled a chart showing 291 candidates as “Republican election deniers.”

Dennis took no umbrage to the characterization.

However, the candidate, who has lost by an average of 66 percentage points to Pelosi in his previous four efforts, said he took exception to the Post’s characterization of his race as uncompetitive…

November 9: CNN posted a short article titled: “CNN Projection: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wins reelection in California’s 11th Congressional District” From the article:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has won reelection, CNN projects, defeating her GOP opponent in the midterm race.

Pelosi, a towering figure in Democratic politics, won out against long shot Republican challenger John Dennis in the race for California’s 11th Congressional District.

Over the years, Pelosi, 82, has become one of the most prominent faces of the Democratic Party. As speaker, she has earned a reputation as a powerful and formidable leader to House Democrats who exerts significant influence and a tight grip over members of her caucus.

Pelosi has also been a fierce adversary to Republicans and has become a highly polarizing figure in Washington as a result…

November 17: CNBC posted an article titled: “Nancy Pelosi to step down as House Democratic leader after two decades, with GOP set to take the narrow majority”. From the article:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday she will not seek reelection to her congressional leadership role, ending a two-decade streak as the top House Democrat that saw her become the first woman to lead the chamber. 

Pelosi, speaking on the House floor, said she will remain a member of Congress and serve out the term to which she was just elected. 

“With great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Pelosi said between rounds of applause throughout the 14-minute speech.

“For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Congress that I so deeply respect,” Pelosi said. “And I am grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility.”

The announcement came a day after news outlets projected that Democrats would narrowly lose their House majority to Republicans following the midterm elections…

November 8: Ballotpedia posted the results of the General Election for U.S. House California District 11:

  • Nancy Pelosi (D): 84.0% – 220,848 votes
  • John Dennis (R): 16.0% – 42,217 votes

December 18: The New York Times posted the results of the California 11th Congressional District Election Results:

  • Nancy Pelosi (Democrat): 220,848 votes – 84.9%
  • John Dennis (Republican): 42,217 votes – 16.0%

California’s 12th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided the following information about California’s 12th congressional district:

California’s 12th congressional district is a congressional district in northern California. Barbara Lee, a Democrat, has represented the district since January 2023. The district was also once represented by Richard Nixon, at a time when the district encompassed Pasadena, Pomona, and Whittier.

Currently, the 12th district is located in Alameda County and includes the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Alameda, Albany, Piedmont, San Leandro, and most of San Lorenzo. The 12th district is the most Democratic district in the United States, giving nearly 90% of its vote to Democrats in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

Prior to redistricting in 2021, the 12th district was entirely within San Francisco, encompassing most of the city. The remainder of the city was included in the 14th district…

…Due to the 2020 redistricting, California’s 12th district has effectively been shifted to the former geography of the 13th district. It encompasses the coastal section of Alameda, and is anchored by Oakland. This district borders the 13th district, and Alameda County is partitioned between them by Grant Ave, Beatty St, Fleming St, Highway 880, Floresta Blvd, Halcyon Dr, Hesperian Blvd, Thornally Dr, Highway 185, 150th Ave, Highway 580, Benedict Dr, San Leandro Creek, and Lake Chabot Regional Park. Alongside Oakland, the 12th district takes in the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, and San Leandro.

Ballotpedia provided information about Barbara Lee:

Barbara Lee (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 12th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2023. Her current term ends on January 2, 2025.

Lee (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House from 1998 to 2013.

In her two decades in the House, Lee has chaired several caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. After unsuccessfully running to be the Democratic Caucus Chairwoman in 2018, Lee was appointed to co-chair the Steering and Policy Committee in the 116th Congress.

Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Lee began her political career in the California State Assembly, where she served from 1991 to 1997. She then served in the California State Senate from 1997 to 1998.

Wikipedia provided the following information about Barbara Lee:

…As president of the Mills College Black Student Union, Lee invited Representative Shirley Chisholm to speak on campus and went on to work on Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, serving as one of her delegates at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. Also, while a student, Lee volunteered at the Oakland chapter of the Black Panther Party’s Community Learning Center and worked on Panther co-founder Bobby Seale’s 1973 Oakland mayoral campaign…

May 17: Post News Group posted an article titled: “California ’22 Primary Election: Black Candidates Running for U.S. House of Representatives” Here is what they wrote about the two Black candidates who were running in District 12:

…Two Black candidates are in the competition to represent District 12 (Oakland). Democrat Barbara Lee is a current member of Congress representing District 13 (Oakland). Democrat Eric Wilson is a nonprofit organization Employee. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solidly Democratic district.

Ballotpedia posted the following information about Stephen Slauson:

Stephen Slauson (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 12th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022. 

Stephen Slauson’s career experience includes working as an electrical engineer.

Voter’s Edge also provided some information about Stephen Slauson:

Stephen Slauson is an electrical engineer.

My Top 3 Priorities

  • Lower cost of living – lower food prices, lower power gas prices, lower utility prices
  • Reduce crime-criminals must pay for their crime, increase security by adding more people, resurrect citizen patroles
  • Rebuild the business community

Biography

Born, raised and still live in Alameda. Graduated from Alameda High and U C Berkeley. Owner of triple S electric Co. for 47 years and still in business. Installed electrical work on many products for the Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, San Lorenzo, Hayward School Districts, BART, EBMUD, Port of Oakland, City of Alameda, City of Berkeley, single family homes and other.

Who supports this candidate?

California Republican Party

Who gave money to this candidate?

Alameda County Republican Party – $1,000

Political Philosophy

I am a conservative candidate campaigning for lower taxes, holding government bureaucracies accountable, increasing business in California, supporting a womans [sic] right to mamage [sic] her body, holding criminals accountable for their crimes, keeping single family neighborhoods in tact [sic] eliminating illegal aliens, cleaning up the air and water and lowierng [sic] the cost of living.

Ballotpedia provided the following information about Glenn Kaplan:

Glenn Kaplan (No Party Affiliation) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 12th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Glenn Kaplan was born in San Antonio, Texas. Kaplan earned an associate degree in philosophy from the University of Oxford in 1997, a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history from Oberlin College in 1999, and a master’s degree in social studies from Columbia University in 2009. His career experience includes owning businesses and working as an editor and reporter with The Monitor, a travel editor with The Rough Guides, and a contract reporter with Sports Illustrated.

Kaplan completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Our government is failing us every single day. The ultrafiche get tax cuts while the rest of us can barely afford healthcare and a decent education. Our infrastructure crumbles, the right to vote is under siege, yet our so-called representatives do nothing, listening only to wealthy donors – their only true constituency.

I grew up here, went to high school in Oakland, taught at public schools, and worked as a journalist before starting a business here, turning an abandoned space into a successful community hub. I saw firsthand the failure of the federal bureaucracy in response to small businesses during the pandemic.

I’m running as an independent because both parties are failing us. Our entrenched leaders have proved that they’re not up to the job. They don’t play by the same rules as the rest of us. They waste time on divisive identity politics and symbolic legislation while real people, neighborhoods and businesses languish. The acrimony and gridlock are breaking our country. People who work for a living need actual solutions: fair taxation, increased funding for education and scientific research, single-payer healthcare, real support for neighborhood businesses.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Both Parties are Broken
  • Do More!
  • We need try our best to find our past unity.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Single-payer healthcare with affordable rates and fair compensation – Medicare for all.

Trim our bloated military budget to fund major investments in science and education.

The government should not pilot a program that provides Universal Basic Income (UBI) to all Americans below a certain income and/or net worth.

Ban equity trading by any elected or appointed government official.

End subsidies to fossil fuels. Reinvest in sustainable, renewable and green energy solutions.

I’m pro-choice and I believe in the right of a woman to make her own decisions concerning her own body and health.

I oppose the death penalty and stand against corporal punishment.

Citizens United was wrongly decided. Corporations are not people. We need to remove as much money from political campaigning as possible.

End the Electoral College. Reapportion representation in the Senate in line with population. (How fair is it that the vote of someone in Wyoming or Alaska is substantially more than a Californians.

We need to move away from divisive identity politics (like the debacle that was the San Francisco School Board) to focus on our shared experiences and unite toward common goals.

Simplify the tax code and eliminate tax avoidance loopholes and workaround deductions for the wealthy.

The U.S. should not engage in war unless attacked first.

Ballotpedia provided information about Eric Wilson:

Eric Wilson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 12th Congressional District. Wilson lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Eric Wilson’s career experience includes working for a nonprofit organization.

Ballotpedia provided information about Ned Nuerge:

Ned Nuerge (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 12th Congressional District. Neurge lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Ned Neurge’s career experience includes working as a driving instructor.

June 16: The New York Times reported the results of California’s 12th Congressional District Primary Election:

  • Barbara Lee (Democrat): 135,549 votes – 87.7%
  • Stephen Slauson (Republican): 8,258 votes – 5.3%
  • Glenn Kaplan (Independent): 5,129 votes – 3.3%
  • Eric Wilson (Independent): 3,734 votes – 2.4%
  • Ned Nuerge (Republican): 1,898 votes – 1.2%

November 8: The Associated Press reported: Democrat Barbara Lee wins reelection to U.S. House in California’s 12th Congressional District.

Ballotpedia posted the results of California’s 12th Congressional District General Election:

  • Barbara Lee (D): 87.1% – 66,285 votes
  • Stephen Slauson (R): 12.9% – 9,826 votes

California’s 13th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 13th Congressional District:

California’s 13th congressional district a congressional district in the U.S. state of California. John Duarte, a Republican, has represented this district since January 2023. 

The 13th district no longer consists of the northwestern portion of Alameda County. Cities in the district included Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and San Leandro.

In the 2022 redistricting cycle, the district was moved to the San Joaquin Valley, while the old 13th district was renumbered as the 12th. The new 13th district includes all of Merced County; most of the population of Merced County; and parts of Stanislaus, Fresno, and San Joaquin Counties. It includes the cities of Merced, Madera, Ceres, Patterson, Lathrop, Chowchilla, Atwater, Coalinga, and Mendota; as well as the southern parts of both Modesto and Turlock. 

The new 13th district is considered a Democratic-leaning swing district. Despite that, Duarte was narrowly elected to represent it in 2022. As a result, it was one of 18 districts that voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election while being won or held by a Republican in 2022…

…Due to the 2020 redistricting, California’s congressional district has been moved geographically to the San Joaquin Valley. It encompasses Merced County, and parts of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, and Fresno Counties.

San Joaquin County is split between this district and the 9th district. They are partitioned by Union Pacific, Highway 380, S Tracey Blvd, the California Aqueduct, S Banta Rd, Highway 5, Paradise Cut, S Manthey Rd, Walthall Slough, E West Ripon Rd, Kincaid Rd, Hutchinson Rd, and Stanislaus River. The 9th district takes the city of Lathrop.

Stanislaus County is split between this district and the 5th district. They are partitioned by S Golden State Blvd, Highway J14, Union Pacific, Highway 99, N Golden State Blvd, Faith Home Rd, Rohde Rode, Moore Rd, Tuolumne River, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Lateral No 2 Park, Viola St, Roble Ave, N Conejo Ave, N Carpenter Rd, Kansas Ave, Morse Rd, and Stanislaus River. The 5th district takes in the southern halves of the cities of Modesto and Turlock, and the cities of Ceres, Patterson, and Newman.

Madera County is split between this district and the 5th district. They are partitioned by Road 35, Road 36, Road 38, Madera Equalization Reservoir, River Rd, Avenue 21, Road 23, Avenue 27, Road 22 1/2, and Berenda Slough. The 13th district takes in the cities of Chowchilla and Madera.

Fresno County is split between this district and the 21st district. They are partitioned by N Dickerson Ave, Highway 180, S Garfield Ave, W California Ave, S Grantland Ave, W Jensen Ave, S Chateau Fresno Ave, S Cornelia Ave, W South Ave, W American Ave, S Westlawn Ave, S Sunnyside Ave, E Clemenceau Ave, S Fowler Ave, E Elkhorn Ave. The 13th district takes in the cities of Coalinga, Mendota and Kerman.

Ballotpedia provided information about John Duarte:

John Duarte (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 13th Congressional District. Duarte was on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022. He is a farmer.

John Duarte completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

The grandson of immigrants, John is proud to call the Valley home. John is rolling up his sleeves and running for Congress because his experience has taught him that when a problem needs to be solved, you solve it. He sees what’s happening to the Valley and has decided quit complaining and be part of the solution. Basic necessities are becoming unaffordable for our Valley’s working families – John sees his friends and colleagues unable to afford gasoline, groceries, and rent because of Washington’s out-of-control, spending and anti-American energy policies. Our canals are running dry and our farmers are suffering because career politicians are flushing the water we need out to the ocean. Our communities are less safe every day as deadly drugs and gangs steal precious lives across our small towns.

John loves the Valley and knows what a blessing it is to live in a beautiful and hardworking community. He has had enough of career politicians – who don’t understand our values and way of life – leaving us behind. He is tired of elected leaders who view the Valley as a ticket to greener pastures rather than as their home. John wants to see every family in the Valley reach its full potential and our Valley to be a place of abundance for all of us.

Q: Please list below 3 messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Protect our Water and Farms
  • Secure the Border

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Lowering the cost of living, protecting our water and farms and securing the border.

Ballotpedia wrote that Adam Grey (Democratic Party) is a member of the California State Assembly, representing District 21. He assumed office on December 3, 2012. His current term ends on December 5, 2022.

Gray (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 13th Congressional District. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Ballotpedia provided information about Phil Arballo:

Phil Arballo (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 13th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Phil Arballo lives in Fresno, California. Arballo earned a B.A. in political science and government from California State University at Fresno in 2008. His career experience includes owning a business.

Ballotpedia provided information about David Giglio:

David Giglio (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 13th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

David Giglio was born in Connecticut and lives in Madera, California. Giglio earned bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Scranton in 2011 and a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Sacred Heart University in 2023. His career includes owning CaliCards & More, co-owning FrontRowSports, and working as a teacher.

Giglio completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Here are the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former public school teacher turned small business owner who resides in Madera with my wife Linda, a nurse practitioner. After my teaching tenure, I opened a small business where I sell sports collectibles. I believe it has never been more important to stand up against the rise of the radical politics spewing from Democrats in Washington.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Water
  • Jobs
  • Education

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our Valley Farmers and Farmworkers deserve a stable supply of water which depends on building above ground storage. American Workers deserve to keep more of their paychecks and live in a Free-Market Economy with less government overreach. Teaching the next generation of American Leaders and Innovators should be our priority for students.

Ballotpedia provided information about Diego Martinez:

Diego Martinez (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 13th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Diego Martinez was born in Uruguay. Martinez’s career experience includes owning a business and working as a fugitive recovery agent and bail bond agent.

Ballotpedia posted the results of the Nonpartisan Primary for U.S. House California District 13:

  • John Duarte (R): 34.1% – 22,830 votes
  • Adam Grey (D): 30.7% – 20,579 votes
  • Phil Araballo (D): 17.5% – 11,644 votes
  • David Giglio (R): 15.1% – 10,124 votes
  • Diego Martinez (R): 2.7% – 1,781 votes

October 27: CBS News Sacramento posted an article titled: “John Duarte and Adam Grey face off for a seat in Congress ahead of Election Day.” From the article:

Election Day is less than two weeks away, and a race for a seat in Congress in the Central Valley is considered a toss-up.

A Republican win could help the party win back control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 13th Congressional District includes Merced County and parts of Madera, Fresno, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties.

President Biden largely carried the district in the 2020 election, securing an 80% point margin of victory. However, that was before redistricting that now includes larger portions of Stanislaus and Fresno counties, where data shows many voters trend more conservative.

Democrat Assemblyman Adam Grey and Republican farmer and businessman John Duarte are battling for the open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Both label themselves as moderates who grew up in the Central Valley…

…Gray was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 and hopes to take nearly ten years of state service to the nation’s capital…

…Duarte, a fourth-generation farmer in Stanislaus County, runs his family’s Duarte Nursery. They also farm walnuts, almonds, and pistachios…

…If Republicans gain six seats in the midterm election on Nov. 8, they will retake majority control from Democrats…

…In the nonpartisan primary election, out of 5 candidates, Duarte narrowly topped Gray, winning 34.2% of the votes to Gray’s 31.1%…

…On abortion, candidates differ.

Gray says he voted in the assembly to put Prop 1 on the ballot to protect a woman’s right to choose.

“I’m absolutely gonna be pro-choice, have been pro-choice, and will be pro-choice when I’m elected to Congress,” said Gray.

Duarte said he is glad the right to regulate abortion law is back in the hands of states. He supports abortion in the early stages of pregnancy but believes restrictions should be in place after the first three months.

“I will vote against any effort to nationalize abortion policy,” said Duarte…

November 8: Business Insider, via MSN posted an article titled: “Live Results: Adam Gray vs. John Duarte: California’s 13th District House Election” From the article:

…Duarte is a farmer and businessman who grows almonds, pistachios, and grapes in his family nursery, Duarte Nursery, located in Stanislaus County. The Central Valley, where California’s 13th Congressional District is located, supplies 8% of US agriculture output and produces a fourth of the nation’s food.

Gray is a member of the California State Assembly representing District 21, a position he has held for the past nine years. He was one of five California Democrats added in July to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” program, designed to bolster their campaigns in attempts to flip the district from Republican to Democratic control. The Merced Democrat is a proponent of water access for farmers and the suspension of California’s gas tax, but drew attention after failing to cast a vote.

Prior to being elected to state assembly, he found work as a legislative aide in the California State Legislature and later as a lecturer at the University of California, Merced. Gray also formed the bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus last February, along with seven of his colleagues.

And on a similar note to Gray, Duarte was endorsed by Rep. Kevin McCarthy and named to the “On the Radar” list as part of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Young Guns program.

The Modesto Republican narrowly edged Gray in a five-way nonpartisan primary for the open district, securing 34.2% of the vote to Gray’s 31.2%. As the top two candidates in the primary, both advanced to the general election under California’s election rules…

November 9: ABC 30 posted an article titled: “Adam Gray and John Duarte in very close race for the 13th Congressional District” From the article:

Democrat Adam Gray and Republican John Duarte are fighting for California’s 13th Congressional District…

…ABC 30 posted the results of the Congressional District 13 race (updated November 16):

  • Duarte (Republican): 50% – 60,084 votes
  • Gray (Democrat): 50% – 59,121 votes

November 9: CBS News posted an article titled: “Every single vote counts”: U.S. House race maintains razor thin margin between Duarte, Gray in CA 13″. From the article:

Election Day is over, but ballot counting is picking up speed. Especially in California’s 13th Congressional District, where a toss-up race for the U.S. House of Representatives remains just that.

A razor-thin margin separates Republican farmer John Duarte and Democrat Assemblymember Adam Gray. The latest numbers as of the publishing of this story show the race is about 50/50, with the AP reporting 50% of the votes have been counted.

The consequential race will impact the balance of power in the U.S. House. The prediction of a “red wave” where analysts thought Republicans would run away with a deep majority in the U.S. House did not happen.

As of Wednesday night, Republicans are still fighting to even get a majority in the House. The latest numbers show Republicans taking 210 seats, and Democrats taking 200.

The goal is 218 seats, so Republicans need then more close races to recalled in their favor, which is likely to happen.

When it comes to District 13 in California’s Central Valley, there really is no predicting the race…

…Around half of District 13’s votes are still being counted. Vote by mail ballots postmarked by Election Day could take a week to count…

…And if the margins remains within a few hundred votes?

“Both candidates have the right for a recount. If that happens, it certainly could drag out for a long time, said [Gary] Dietrich [CBS13 political analyst]…

November 15: Merced Sun-Star posted an article titled: “Adam Gray clings to lead over John Duarte in toss-up California congressional race” From the article:

A California Democratic Assemblyman clung to a thin lead over a Republican farmer in one of the nation’s few remaining toss-up congressional elections Tuesday.

The race between Assemblyman Adam Gray, D-Merced, and John Duarte of Modesto in California’s 13th Congressional District is one of a handful of uncalled elections that could limit a GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

It will take days, or weeks, to know who won.

Gray, 45, had 50.3% of the votes with almost 86% of them counted, according to the Associated Press after more returns were released Tuesday night. Duarte, 56, trails by six-tenths of a point, or 600 votes.

The new 13th formed through redistricting, the once-a-decade redrawing of legislative lines, covers all of Merced County in a stretch from Lathrop past Coalinga, taking in half of Modesto and Turlock. Registered Democrats have an edge over Republicans…

…Republicans did not match analysts’ expectations of a “red wave” on Tuesday night. But they are still expected to take control of the House – and chose House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, as speaker.

The race here was considered a toss-up but independent analysts leading up to the November midterms…

…A moderate Democrat, Gray has represented much of the are in the Assembly for a decade, focusing on water issues, infrastructure and bolstering Central Valley Health care, such as through the creation of a medical school program at UC Merced.

Duarte operates Duarte Nursery in Hughson. He is similarly concerned with water access as well as curbing inflation and increasing American drilling.

Gray pulled ahead of Duarte for the first time since election night on Monday. Before that, when the AP said Duarte had been up by 84 votes, Gray’s campaign filed a Federal Election Commission committee to raise funds for a recount…

November 15: The Fresno Bee updated their post titled: “Adam Gray clings to lead over John Duarte toss-up California Congressional Race” From the article:

A California Democratic Assemblyman clung to a thin lead over a Republican farmer in one of the nation’s few remaining toss-up congressional elections Tuesday.

The race between Assemblymember Adam Gray, D-Merced, and John Duarte of Modesto in California’s 13th Congressional District is one of a handful of uncalled elections that could limit at GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

It will take days, or weeks, to know who won.

Gray, 45, had 50.3% of the votes with almost 86% of them counted, according to the Associated Press after more returns were released Tuesday night. Duarte, 56, trails by six-tenths of a point, or 600 votes.

The new 13th formed through redistricting, the once-in-a-decade redrawing of legislative lines, covers all of Merced County in a stretch from Lathrop past Coalinga, taking in half of Modesto and Turlock. Registered Democrats have an edge over Republicans.

The race here was considered a toss-up by independent analysts leading up to the November midterms.

Republicans did not match analysts’ expectations of a “red wave” on Tuesday night. But they are still expected to take control of the House – and chose House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, as speaker.

As of Tuesday night, Democrats were projected to win 209 seats. Republicans, 217. A party needs 218 to hold the majority.

November 15: Turlock Journal posted an article titled: “California’s 13th Congressional District still up for grabs” From the article:

California’s new 13th Congressional District, which includes half of Turlock, has become one of the battleground races across the country that will determine if the GOP is taking over the chamber.

Democrat Adam Gray, who represents the 21st Assembly District, is locked in battle with Hughson business man Jon Duarte, a Republican, to represent the 13th Congressional District…

…Gray took an early lead on Election Night, 52.2% to Duarte’s 47.8%. But by Thursday, Duarte had overtaken Gray with a lead of 50.1% to 49.9%.

Before Duarte could even think about a victory speech, however, Gray was once again leading and as of 4:25 p.m. Tuesday, the Democrat was up by 761 votes…

…In the more recent results, Gray was ahead of Duarte in Merced County, 52.2% to 47.80%, I Stanislaus County 52.17% to 47.83% and in San Joaquin County 53.61% to 46.39%. But Duarte was in the lead in Fresno County 56% to 44% and in Madera County 56.88% to 43.12%…

November 16: The Sacramento Bee (via MSN) posted an article titled: “John Duarte takes slim lead over Adam Gray in House race, latest Valley ballot counts show”. From the article:

Madera County’s first election update in six days offered another tilt in a see-saw battle for the 13th Congressional District in central California – a race in which neither candidate has held a lead of even one percentage point since Election Night on Nov. 8.

Republican contender John Duarte, a farmer and businessman from Hughson, regained a slim advantage Wednesday night over longtime Assemblymember Adam Gray D-Merced, with the latest returns.

Duarte now has 60,084 votes from across Fresno, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties, to take a 963-vote lead over Gray, who has garnered 59,121.

By percentages, Duarte’s has a 50.4% advantage to Gray’s 49.6% – a gap that remains subject to more change as other counties continue to process their remaining ballots.

The 13th District is one that has been closely watched by national political observers as Republicans sought to regain control of the House of Representatives. On the airwaves, the race was one of the most hotly contested and vitriolic Congressional elections in California and perhaps in the U.S….

November 23: The Ceres Courier posted an article titled: “Duarte still ahead” From the article:

More and more it’s looking like Republican John Duerte will represent Ceres in Congress.

The Hughson nursery businessman has held his lead over Democrat Adam Gray in the latest 13th Congressional District election count, which has yet to be finalized. That lead has been shrinking but holding fast. Last week, Duarte was ahead of Gray by 599 votes. As of Wednesday, Duarte led with 66,871 votes (50.2 percent) over Adam Gray’s 66,273 vote count, or 49.8 percent. Additional ballots are still being counted.

Gray is currently terming out of the 21st Assembly District.

Gray took an early lead on Election Night, 52.2 percent to Duarte’s 47.8 percent. But by Nov. 19, Duarte had overtaken Gray with a lead of 50.1 percent to 49.9 percent.

Underscoring the tightness of the contest, Gray’s campaign formed a committee to begin raising money to finance a possible recount. Those costs, which hare paid to county election officials, fall on the campaign committee or voter that requested a recount. Generally, such requests cannot be made until a month after the election.

Ballotpedia provided the results of the U.S. House California District 13 election:

  • John Duarte (R): 50.2% – 67,041 votes
  • Adam Gray (D): 49.8% – 66,476 votes
  • Total votes: 133,517

December 3: CNN posted an article titled: “Republican Duarte wins open House seat in California after Democrat concedes” From the article:

Democrat Adam Gray conceded on Friday night to Republican John Duarte in the open-seat race to represent California’s 13th Congressional District, the final House race of the 2022 midterms to be called.

“While I had hoped for a different outcome, I accept the results and have called to congratulate my opponent, John Duarte,” Gray, a state assemblyman said in a statement posted to Twitter.

With Duarte’s win in the Central Valley district, Republicans are projected to hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives next year with 222 seats.

Democrats are projected to win 213 seats in this year’s midterms, but the recent death of Virginia Democrat Donald McEachin just weeks after he won reelection means they are expected to start the new Congress with one fewer seat. McEachin’s seat will remain vacant until a special election is held…

…Republicans now hold 12 House seats from California next year, up one from their current 11 seats. California Democrats will hold 40 seats, down two from their current total. The state lost a seat in reapportionment following the 2020 census.

Five of the 12 California districts Republicans will hold next year would have backed now-President Joe Biden in 2020. They include the sat won by Duarte, which Biden would have carried by 11 points.

California’s 14th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 14th Congressional District:

California’s 14th congressional district in the U.S. state of California. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, has represented the district since January 2023.

Currently, the 14th district is in Alameda County and includes the cities of Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, Union City, Castro Valley, and parts of Dublin and Fremont. Prior to the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections, the district included most of San Mateo County and the southwest side of San Francisco…

…Due to the 2020 redistricting, California’s 14th congressional district has been shifted geographically to the East Bay. It encompasses most of Alameda County, except for the Oakland Area and the Tri-City Area, which are taken in by the 12th district and 17th district, respectively.

The district and the 12th are partitioned by Grant Ave, Union Pacific, Lewelling Blvd, Wicks Blvd, Manor Blvd, Juniper St, Dayton Ave, Padre Ave, Fargo Ave, Edgemoor St, Trojan Ave, Beatty St, Fleming St, Highway 800, Florets Blvd, Halcyon Dr, Hesperian Blvd, Thornally Dr, Highway 185, 150th Ave, Highway 580, Benedict Dr, San Leandro Creek, and Lake Chabot Regional Park.

This district and the 17th are partitioned by Mission Peak Regional Park, Witherly Ln, Mission Blvd, Washington Blvd, Farallon Cmn, Paseo Padre Parkway, Grimmer Blvd, Blacow Rd, Omar St, Butano Park Dr, Farina Ln, Nimitz Freeway, Highway 84.

The 14th district takes in the north side of the city of Fremont, cities of Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, Union City, and Dublin, as well as the census-designated places Ashland, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Fairview and Castro Valley.

Ballotpedia posted information about Eric Swalwell:

Eric Swalwell (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 14th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 2, 2025.

Swalwell announced on April 8, 2019, that he was running for president of the United States in 2020. He suspended his presidential campaign on July 8, 2019.

Swalwell was first elected in 2012 after defeating incumbent Rep. Pete Stark (D), who had been in office since 1973. He served on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was the ranking member of Subcommittee on the CIA in the 115th Congress. Before serving in Congress, Swalwell was a member of the Dublin town council and served as the deputy district attorney for Alameda County, California.

Swalwell was raised in Dublin, California.

Swalwell was first elected in 2012 after defeating incumbent Rep. Pete Stark (D), who had been in office since 1973. He served on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was the ranking member of Subcommittee on the CIA in the 115th Congress. Before serving in Congress, Swalwell was a member of the Dublin town council and served as the deputy district attorney for Alameda County, California.

Ballotpedia posted information about Alison Hayden:

Alison Hayden (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Hayden was a 2020 candidate for the election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 15th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Alison Hayden earned a B.A. in political economy of industrialized societies from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.S. in development management from the London School of Economics. Hayden’s career experience includes owning Blade Education Services and working as an educational therapist and special education teacher.

Voter’s Edge provided the following information about Alison Hayden:

Alison Hayden is a Special Education Teacher.

My Top 3 Priorities

  • Election Integrity – Our sovereignty and control over elected officials happens through the vote and must be assured. Only then can we vote out the jokers that put US in this position!
  • Financial & Economic Stability – Stop the inflation -> end the unelected, money-printing Federal Reserve Bank. Bring back production, manufacturers/jobs to stabilize the economy.
  • Sovereignty of parents rights, borders (trafficking fentanyl, humans, arms, killing Americans and stealing US jobs), and medical choices, tech privacy.

Experience

Profession: Special Education Teacher, Small Business Owner

Special Education Teacher: Teacher; Education Therapist, Self (2001-current)

Member (2018 and in 2020), Alameda county Republican Party – Elected position (2016 – current)

Peace Corps Director/Volunteer, Business Development Group in Plovdiv, Bulgaria; national Director of alternative Women’s Associations – Appointed position (1994-1997)

Officer (Investments and Lending) – Appointed Position (1994 -1997)

Community Activities

Activist, Alameda County Committee of Restoration (to the Constitution); making officials accountable to their Oaths of office (2022 – current)

Delegate to RNC Convention to endorse Donald J Trump, Alameda county Republican Party (2016-2016)

Captain/Coordinator, Dr. Ben Carson presidential campaign in Alameda county (2015-2016)

Ballotpedia provided information about Tom Wong:

Tom Wong (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Wong completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born & raised in a sparse home & very modest living situation in San Francisco Chinatown, but one that was rich in character, tradition, & love. My family values, from immigrant parents who rushed to the Bay Area to achieve the American Dream, were those of character, dedication, hard work & compassion.

My story blessed me with the chance to gain a great education in our public schools, graduate & work hard in entry level jobs – jobs that included security guard, janitor, ride-share drive & truck driver – while putting myself through school. My hard work earned me the chance to be come a first-time entrepreneur & resulted in the establishment, ownership & daily operation of a successful small business. This earned me the chance to become a first-time homeowner, right here as your neighbor, in Hayward. I feel equally proud & blessed to have my small, modest piece of the dream & to be part of this great community.

I work hard & long hours. I earn my pay every day. Like you, I feel pressure & concern. The Washington elites have abandoned us. By electing me to Congress, Washington will not do business as usual.

Tom Wong completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • In 1776, our Founding Fathers created a document that forever changed the face of this nation. A great battle was fought, lives were lost & hope was born. The people who fought in the battle were not soldiers. They were villagers, fathers & sons – everyday people you saw on the streets, in the markets & restaurants. These brave souls sacrificed themselves so we as a nation could live in peace – free from a tyrannical government. Their sacrifice was for all people who live in this great nation to be free – free to pursue life, liberty, property & happiness. It is time for use to remember our past. We are not a nation of monsters. We are descendants of fallen heroes. The only way our freedom can be lost is by destroying ourselves.
  • The American people are burdened with skyrocketing inflation. At the same time, personal income & small & medium size businesses income is stagnant. As a result, taxes are now an extreme burden to the middle class and working poor; taxes should not be. My bill will provide relief with a 1 year federal income tax holiday. With tax savings, businesses will invest in workers, equipment & inventory, increasing production. People will have more money to spend on essentials. The tax holiday is better than handouts because it allows people to keep the money they earn. It avoids printing money, inflation & dollar devaluation.
  • Quality education is essential to one’s quality of life & American competitiveness. By investing in the American people to gain valuable, marketable skills, we will promote industry, ingenuity & fulfillment among ourselves. In my Education Partnership Bill, the federal government will partner with trade schools & colleges to drive students into high demand skills and degrees. Criminals have taken over our sanctuary, destroying our homes, businesses & community. My Criminal Capture Bill will give local police the tools & resources to hunt down & capture criminals, then send the accused to federal courts for additional prosecution. This bill will not increase the size of the federal government or allow unlimited access to federal resources.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My Education Partnership Bill provides people the opportunity to succeed in life, support themselves & provide for their families. The federal government reimburses tuition 100% / 50% / 0% for students earning an A / B / C in classes. Funding will be provided by companies hiring foreign skilled workers on H-1B visas. For each H-1B visa, companies will pay $10-$50k into the Education Partnership. This would raise $850 million – $4.25 billion, encouraging companies to hire Americans.

Our representatives must support local law enforcement & provide tools & resources to capture criminals. Local agencies will receive training on sending criminal complaints to the federal level for additional prosecution. If your local district attorney is soft on crime, the federal government is not. I will coordinate with the US attorney general, FBI & all agencies to apprehend & prosecute criminals to stomp out crime in your neighborhood. Local agencies will have access to more forensic services, cyber resources, crime stats, investigators & authority to pursue leads crossing state lines. This will send fear into the hearts & minds of criminals.

Criminal Consequences:

Bum rush to empty out a store – charged with organized crime

Terrorize neighborhoods – prosecuted as a terrorist

Smash & grab & steal packages – prosecuted for tax evasion, a potential felony

The $950 threshold will have a new meaning – 950 years in prison

Ballotpedia provided information about Steve Iyer:

Steve Iyer (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Steve Iyer was born in Bangalore, India. Iyer earned a graduate degree from the University of Kentucky in 1988. His career experience includes working as the CEO for the Asia-Pacific region of a European energy company.

Steve Iyer completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I immigrated from India 36 years ago as an engineer and am now the CEO of a solar power company. My values are rooted in family, faith, patriotism and humility. I shall be eternally grateful to this country for letting me achieve my true potential and to realize the American dream.

If I am elected, it is my goal to enable current and future generations to reach their full potential as well. Unfortunately, Democrats have made that impossible by penalizing success and by enacting an ideology driven by guilt and self-hate.

I bring a pragmatic, common sense perspective to this district because I am not a career politician and bring over 35 years of professional experience to this role. I promise to uphold the high level of independence, integrity and honesty that helped me achieve success in my career.

I strongly believe that being a self-sufficient country, with an upwardly mobile population, plentiful opportunities, and equal access to opportunity for all (collectively the ‘America First’ platform) is not only achievable but also essential to ensure stability and prosperity.

I also believe that a strong adherence to law and order and protecting the sovereignty of our nation are essential to providing a secure environment for Americans to flourish.

Lastly, having worked in energy and environment for over 30 years, I can guarantee that there is a pathway to be both energy independent and reduce waste and emissions sensibly.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages for your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Security, Stability and upward mobility for all Americans
  • Common sense solutions that put Americans first
  • A sincere, in-depth candidate with a knowledge base deeper than bumper stickers

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My decades of business experience has given me 360-degree view and understanding of numerous topics, and I can leverage this in many public policy areas.

My experience in energy and environment enables me to put the US on the path to energy independence while sensibly reducing our emissions and waste. I can guarantee that we can do this while reducing energy costs to American consumers, which helps small businesses and industries compete in the global marketplace.

I am also passionate about reducing barriers to existing and new businesses. Many industries in our country are burdened with excessive regulation; I believe I can innovatively preserve standards while reducing the regulatory burden on our businesses.

I will bring a high level of fiscal discipline and prudence to enacting new legislation. I will always ask ‘why do we need additional legislation?’ and ‘How much is already being spent to solve this problem?’ before I lend support to any new legislation.

I will strive to ensure that America continues to be a country that welcomes legal immigrants, and will work to reduce wait times and reunite families.

Lastly, after having done business internationally for over 20 years, I understand world trade, and how our products don’t receive fair treatment abroad. I will strive to create a level playing field of American goods and services.

Ballotpedia posted information about James Peters:

James Peters (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

James Peters was born in Fremont, California. Peters earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2013 and a graduate degree from the  Universität Hamburg in 2014. His career experience includes working in recruiting operations and as a waiter, an actor, and a bartender.

James Peters completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

James is dedicated to calling all American’s who are unhappy with a tax system that favors the rich and powerful, unhappy with a predatory student loan and healthcare system that leaves people in crippling debt, and Americans who demand accountability on the climate crisis to arms to fight for our future. I am a native son of California’s 14th congressional district, the son of a middle class family, and an advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans regardless of where you started in life.

By joining the fight for our future, you are joining a movement that prioritizes the human rights and civil liberties of all Americans regardless of skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or age. Together, we will fight to regain control of our own American Dream: free from the taint of corporate greed, free from the fear of the planet becoming unlivable, and free from the fear of the erosion of our democracy. By standing united, the agency of our voices cannot be denied and the fight for our future us a fight we can win.

My name is James Andrew Peters and I am a gay millennial running for office to fight for a pragmatic and progressive solution to the challenges facing our country. I am a grassroots candidate who will not accept dark money. There is too much at stake for our people, our democracy, our economy, and our planet. We need action now from politicians ready to do the hard work. Will you joint the fight for our future?

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • It’s time to invest in the American people. We need to cancel student loan and medical debt. The system is rigged against the middle-and-working-class America and I want to lead the fight to give all American’s a shot at the American Dream. America needs to invest in the Human Capital of this country, that means educating the next generation of innovators, artists, and leaders while keeping our workers healthy. Student debt is an artificial construct that widens the wealth gap, stops first time owners from buying homes, inhibits the start of new businesses, and delays retirement. We need to invest in the wellbeing of our workers. That means investing in Medicare-for-All and limiting the cost of prescription drugs.
  • We need to strengthen the foundations of our democratic institutions and Republic. That means restoring the public trust in the federal government, and I have a plan for getting there. We need term limits the cap the number of terms in the House at nine and the Senate at three; 18 years per chamber. We need to resolve the Fairness Doctrine to break the echo-chambers polarizing the country. Next, we need to shore up the Voting Rights Act, introduce public financing of federal elections, and introduce more democratic methods of counting votes fairly. I support a change to multi-member districts with proportional representation voting, rank-choice voting for statewide and presidential elections, and universal voter registration at 18.
  • I am going to fight for the future of California and America by voting to pass a Green New Deal paid for by passing a wealth tax and taxing the profits of large companies like Amazon that pay next to nothing in taxes. I represent the American’s who are angry with a system that gives Jeff Bezos a tax break while slashing tax write-offs that many middle-class Americans depend on to lower their federal tax bill. By reforming the tax system, we can invest in a Green New Deal that will create thousands of new jobs. We can invest in desalination for California and put federal dollars behind a nationwide High Speed Electric Rail system. There is no Planet B. We must take action on climate change now to protect tomorrow.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about fighting for the future of America. That means passing Medicare for all, forgiving student debt, expanding the right to vote, getting dark money out of politics, rooting out corruption in Washington, and restoring the American people’s faith in our democratic system of self-governance. In order to fight for the future of America, we need to act now to solve for many of the issues facing us today.

Equality – All Americans deserve a chance to pursue the American dream. But when we saddle people with thousands of dollars in student debt instead of investing in the human capital of the country, or when we force families to choose between live [sic] saving medicines or the mortgage, we are failing as a country. I am passionate about investing in American workers to ensure that all Americans have the chance to buy houses, start businesses, and keep the best jobs in the world here in America.

Accountability – Democracy only works when people believe it does. It’s time for term limits in Congress, making sure every voter feels like their vote counted despite their district’s or state’s partisan lean. That means proportional representation and rank-choice voting. We also need to heal the polarization of the country, and the first step to healing the divide is to re-instate the Fairness Doctrine, stop demonizing the other side, and electing leaders who put their country before their party. Our experiment in democracy will only last if we can keep it.

Ballotpedia posted information about Major Singh:

Major Singh (independent) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Major Singh was born in Punjab, India. Singh earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1989 and a master’s degree in computer science and operations research from North Carolina State University in 1991. His career experience includes working as a software engineer and the vice president of engineering with Zine One.

Ballotpedia posted information about Liam Miguel Simard:

Liam Miguel Simard (independent) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 14th Congressional District. Simard lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Ballotpedia posted the results of the Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 14:

  • Eric Swalwell (D): 63.6% – 77,120 votes
  • Alison Hayden (R): 10.3% – 12,503 votes
  • Tom Wong (R): 9.4% – 11,406 votes
  • Steve Iyer (R): 8.9% – 10,829 votes
  • James Peters (D): 5.1% – 6,216 votes
  • Major Singh (Independent): 2.1% – 2,495 votes
  • Liam Miguel Simard (Independent): 0.5% – 667 votes

June 7: Associated Press reported: Democrat Eric Swalwell Advances to November general election in California’s 14th Congressional District.

October 16: Pleasanton Weekly posted an article titled: “Swalwell faces familiar opponent Hayden in reelection bid” From the article:

Pleasanton and the rest of the southern Tri-Valley are deciding for the sixth time whether Eric Swalwell should be their district representative in Washington, D.C. — and of the second general election in a row, the opposing choice is the same challenger, Alison Hayden.

Swalwell (D-Livermore) defeated Hayden for reelection in 2020 by a margin of 70.9% to 29.1%.

Hayden, a special education teacher from Hayward, returned among five other challengers against Swalwell in the June 2022 primary election for the newly redrawn District 14 and finished in second place with 10.2% of the vote (with Swalwell in first at 63.6%) to book a spot on the Nov. 8 congressional runoff. She is listed on the ballot as a Republican, but she told the Weekly on Tuesday she has rejected the Republican Party’s endorsement.

Swalwell, a former Dublin City Council member and Alameda County prosecutor, continues to be one of the more recognizable members of the U.S. House of Representatives, helped by his visible presence on social media and national news interview, especially as a critic of Congressional Republicans.

Swalwell cited federal Community Project Funding he helped secure for nine projects in his district, which included $2 million for design of an Iron Horse Regional Trail overdressing in San Ramon, $1 million for Veterans Park in Livermore, and $450,00 for the Axis Bridge mental health urgent care pilot program…

…”House Democrats have been laser focused on bringing down costs — at the pharmacy, grocery, and gas pump. But we can only do that if Democrats are reelected with strong majorities in both chambers,” Swalwell said.

“Next Congress, I’ll push for the passage of the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act in both chambers,” Swalwell said.

“In addition, I would ensure that all women have the ability to make their own decisions about their bodies and their families,” he added. “As extreme Republicans are passing abortion bans throughout the country, Congress would step in to protect this constitutional right to privacy and ensure that all women have access to choice and freedom.”…

…For her part, Hayden also casts this election through the lens of big-picture national issues.

“I will immediately address the safety concerns … and the financial instabilities and risks the threaten families economically as well as bring new vision and opportunities, Hayden told the Weekly.

“America/n culture and society is under siege; we are at a crucial moment in our evolution,” she continued. “We must unite to save marriages, families, and communities in order to save the country. It is not the time to vote for party politics. We must build bridges on our commonalities and restore the bedrock of society, the family.”…

Ballotpedia posted the results of the General Election for U.S. House California District 14:

  • Eric Swalwell (D): 65.7% – 48,659 votes
  • Alison Hayden (R): 34.3% – 25,283 votes

December 18: The New York Times posted the results of California’s 14th Congressional District:

  • Eric Swalwell (Democrat): 137,612 votes – 69.3%
  • Alison Hayden (Republican): 60,853 votes – 30.7%

California’s 15th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 15th congressional district:

California’s 15th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California. The district is currently represented by Democrat Kevin Mullen.

Currently, the district includes most of San Mateo County and the southeast side of San Francisco. Cities in the district include Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto.

Prior to the 2022 United States House of Representative elections, the district covered most of eastern and southwestern Alameda County as well as parts of Contra Costa County. Cities and CDPs in the district included Castro Valley, Dublin, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol, and Union City; most of San Ramon; and parts of Danville and Fremont. The new 15th district roughly corresponds to the old 14th district and vice versa.

As of the 2020 redistricting, California’s 15th district is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It encompasses the east coast of San Mateo, which is split between this district and the 16th district. They are partitioned by the San Fransisquito Creek, Menalto Ave, Willow Rd, S Perimeter St, W Perimeter Rd, Bay Rd, Marsh Rd, Middlefield Rd, Highway 82, Highway 84, Alameda de las Plugas, Woodhill Dr, Farm Hill Blvd, The Loop Rd, Jefferson Ave, Summit Way, California Way, Junipero Serra Freeway, and Highway 35.

The 15th takes in the cities of San Mateo, Daly City, South San Francisco, Redwood City, Burlingame, San Bruno, Millbrae, East Palo Alto, San Carlos, Foster City, and Belmont, the town of Hillsborough, as well as the census designated place North Fair Oaks.

Along with San Mateo County, the 16th district also takes in the San Francisco neighborhoods of Crocker Amazon, Excelsior, Little Hollywood, Mission Terrace, Oceanview, Outer Mission, Portola, and Visitatcion Valley.

Ballotpedia posted information about Kevin Mullen

Kevin Mullin (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 15th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Mullin (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 15th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Mullin previously served in the California State Assembly, representing District 22.

Kevin Mullin lives in San Francisco, California. Mullin graduated from Junipero Serra High School. He earned a B.A. in communications from the University of San Francisco and an M.P.A. from San Francisco State University. Mullin’s career experience includes founding KM2 Communications.

Ballotpedia posted information about David Canepa

David Canapa (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 15th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

David Canapa earned a degree from the University of San Francisco.

Ballotpedia provided information about Gus Mattammal

Gus Mattammal (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 15th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Gus Mattammal was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Mattammal earned a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in 1994 and a graduate degree from Yale University School of Management in 2000. His career experience includes working as the director of a national private tutoring group and TV advertising sales, consulting, and operational finance.

Gus Mattammal completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m an educator and a small businessman, and I’ve built a successful business throughout the Bay Area and around the country by working with individual families, listening to them to understand their goals and the obstacles they face, and helping them achieve those goals. I look forward to listening to you to understand your dreams and challenges, and I want you to know: I am willing to work with anyone and everyone to help make our government work better for you, no matter who you are.

One strength I bring to the table is a diverse background, both racially and economically. My father was an immigrant to this country, and he and my mom started at the bottom of the ladder. Through education and hard work, they built a middle-class life for themselves and their children, and they instilled those same values of education and hard work in me and my siblings. Because of my parents’ sacrifices, my own efforts, and the opportunities this country offers, I’ve gone on to achieve the American dream. I’m excited to go to Congress to work hard to make it easier for others to do the same.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Republicans and conservatives: I want to bring the focus of our party back to problem-solving. All too often, our energy as a party is directed at criticizing what the Democrats do rather than offering our own solutions. Conservative policies centered on personal choice, free markets, and careful scrutiny of spending will appeal to voters across the political spectrum and would be a clear path to electoral success in red, blue, and purple states. In addition, by emphasizing a more constructive vision, our party will lead the way in making politics less emotionally fraught and in reminding everyone that through we may be conservatives, or liberals, or independents, we are, above all, Americans.
  • Democrats/liberals/independents: this election offers an opportunity to help me refocus my party on constructive problem-solving. A world in which the Republican party is focused on problem-solving is a world that’s better for all Americans, including you. If we come to the table with our own good-faith plans for healthcare, education, climate change, and economic opportunity, then we have a basis for negotiation and compromise. Policies developed through negotiation and compromise are more lasting and stable; policies developed by one side alone (e.g. “Obamacare”), are far more likely to be torn down when the government changes hands. Winning this election will help me show my party the appeal of a constructive vision.
  • I chose “Faith in People, Faith in America” as my campaign slogan because, over the last 25 years, I’ve watched people increasingly lose their faith in capitalism and markets, in democracy and elections, and, most tragically, in each other and in this great country of ours. That won’t happen overnight – it will take a lot of hard work. But it can be done. Our district is perfect to lead this effort. We can show America what healthy politics look like, and, in doing so, restore people’s faith in this country and in each other. Vote Gus on June 7th and November 8th. Send me to Washington, and let me show you what we can accomplish – together.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m a policy geek, so I’m excited about almost every area of policymaking.

Healthcare: I will develop a healthcare plan that achieves universal coverage through health savings accounts that follow you. You make the decisions, and you don’t have to worry about what happens if you lose your job.

Education: I will develop a comprehensive education reform proposal that creates education savings accounts that follow the student, so that students have greater freedom to choose their education and aren’t forced to stay in failing schools.

Entrepreneurship: My pat from inner-city St. Louis to a middle-class life on the coast involved entrepreneurship, and I want to work with Republicans and Democrats, economic development organizations and business leaders, to identify ways to make it easier for people to start businesses, especially in immigrant and lower-income communities.

Climate change: I will design a plan that combines the power of the private sector with targeted federal investments to develop new technologies to address climate change. I’ll work with environmental groups, established industries, and local communities to ensure the we address the challenges of a changing climate in a way that strengthens our economy and our ability to lead on the world stage.

I’m also interested in getting everyday people more involved in generating policy. The ideas shouldn’t all be coming form corporations and think tanks financed by billionaire donors.

Ballotpedia provided information about Emily Beach

Emily Beach (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 15th Congressional District. She lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Emily Beach earned a B.A. in government and Spanish from the University of Notre dame in 1996. Beach served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2000 and reached the rank of captain. She served as the chair of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board of Directors and as a member of the state board of directors of the League of California Cities. Beach’s career experience includes working as a nonprofit executive.

Emily Beach’s campaign website stated the following:

Emily’s Priorities In Congress:

  • Climate action
  • Affordable housing and homelessness
  • Mental health
  • Women’s reproductive freedom
  • Education
  • Fairness, equity, and civility

January 7: The Skyline View posted an article titled: The coast side is out but Mattammal remains in” From the article:

Republican hopeful Gus Mattammal will remain in the race to replace retiring congressional representative Jackie Speier. This comes after recent redistricting has placed him outside of the newly formed CA-15 congressional district…

…The newly formed 15th district was created by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. The majority of San Mateo County and a section of southern San Francisco will make up the district. The new configuration will add Redwood City and East Palo Alto but cut out the County’s coastal communities, including Mattammal’s home residence.

“While I was dismayed to see that the part of the coast-side where I live was carved out of the 15th district, I nevertheless enthusiastically support the idea of nonpartisan commissions managing the redistricting process,” Mattammal said.

While Mattammal may not be living in the new district, there are no rules saying he cannot run to represent CA-15. The three main requirements include being 25 or older, a United States citizen for at least seven years and a California resident for at least one year. Mattammal checks all three boxes.

Mattamammal believes he can reach voters through a solutions-oriented campaign campaign posing the question of who will be the most accountable to voters.

“Who do you think will be more accountable to the voters?” Mattammal said. “A Democrat representing this very blue district, or a Republican like me, who would always be in danger of losing his seat if he didn’t focus very acutely on listening to the voters?”…

January 22: Palo Alto Daily Post posted an article titled: “Complaint says candidate’s Christmas card violated finance rules” From the article:

The opponent of a candidate for Jackie Speier’s seat in Washington, D.C., is saying a Christmas card was a piece of illegal campaign literature.

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa announced yesterday that South San Francisco resident Michael Harris filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission, or FEC, complaining that his opponent, state Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, had used money from his assembly campaign account to send two mailers – a card and a flyer – that bolstered his congressional campaign.

The FEC complaint says both constituted improper campaigning for a House seat they are both seeking.

The first mailer is a card with a photo of Mullin’s family saying, “Happy Holidays to you and yours – the Mullin Family.” On the back of the card, Mullin says he’s been honored to serve the region in Sacramento over the past nine years.

“We have accomplished so much for San Mateo County together. I look forward to working with you to keep our country and our state moving forward to a brighter future as we come through this pandemic,” the note says.

The second mailer is a flyer that says “Our Accomplishments Together” one a photo of the San Mateo Bridge. The backside lists some of Mullin’s accomplishments in Sacramento in 2021, including getting over 60 bills passed into law, such as including increasing access to child care and improving transparency around campaign monies.

But the complaint points out that since Mullin had already announced he is running for Speier’s seat, he was breaking the law. The complaint cites the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which says federal candidates are prohibited from spending money from a non-federal campaign to a federal campaign.

Mullin’s team called the complaint “dirty politics,” and said this is a distraction technique from Canapa’s camp…

…Canepa’s announcement of the complaint against Mullin includes the claim that Mullin’s campaign is performing poorly, with Mullin being “out raised $247,000 to $419,000” by Canepa…

…Speier announced her retirement from Congress in November after 14 years in D.C

April 29: VoteVets posted an article titled: “VoteVets Endorses Emily Beach For Congress” From the endorsement:

VoteVets Pac is today endorsing Emily Beach for Congress, in the 15th Congressional District in California.

“In these unprecedented times, we need people like Emily in Congress,” said Jon Soltz, Chair of VoteVets. “Emily’s experience and commitment of service is exactly what we need in Washington right now. She will be a tireless fighter for veterans, service members, and all Californians in Congress. Put simply, Emily knows how to get things done. We are proud to endorse her.”

Emily Beach developed strong leadership and team-building skills during her military service in the U.S. Army. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame as an ROTC scholarship student, Emily was stationed in Saudi Arabia, Korea, and Texas, rising to the rank of Captain and earning the U.S. Army Airborne parachutist badge.

Before becoming an elected member of the City Council in Burlingame, Emily fought for immigrants’ rights and organized volunteers to fundraise for local K-8 public schools and access to preschool. She also had a successful career as a business executive, bringing practical private sector experience to her work as an elected official.

May 2: New Politics posted “Endorsement: Emily Beach for Congress (CA-15). From the endorsement:

New Politics today endorsed US Army veteran and public servant Emily Beach for Representative in California’s 15th Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics, released the following statement:

“Emily Beach is exactly the kind of leader our country needs right now because she understands that public service isn’t about power or politics but about people. From her service in uniform to her tireless efforts on behalf of working families in Burlingame, Emily has demonstrated time and again that she’s willing to take tough stances in order to solve our toughest problems. That’s why New Politics is proud to endorse this courageous servant leader. Because we know that in Congress, she’s going to get big things done on behalf of her Bay Area neighbors.”

About Emily Beach

A tireless and relentless advocate for the Peninsula, Emily Beach has dedicated her life to public service. She is known for taking on tough conversations, tough problems and tough votes. She honed her leadership team-building skills during her military service in the U.S. Army. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame as an ROTC scholarship student, Emily served in Saudi Arabia, Korea, and Texas, rising to the rank of Captain and earning the U.S. Army’s Airborne parachutist badge. Before holding elected offices, Emily fought for immigrants’ rights and organized volunteers to fundraise for local K-8 public schools and access to preschool. She also had a successful career as a business executive, bringing practical private sector experience to her work as an elected official.

Emily was elected to the Burlingame City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. As Mayor of Burlingame during the pandemic, Emily led the successful effort to increase the minimum wage and expanded investment in bike lanes and public transit to better serve the Peninsula’s working families. She champions shoreline protections, open space, affordable housing, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. To address the significant challenges our community faces during the most difficult period of the pandemic, Emily founded The Burlingame Collaborative, brining diverse stakeholders together to find local solutions to our toughest issues, combating isolation for seniors and expanding access to the local food bank for the most vulnerable…

June 7: Ballotpedia posted the results of the Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 15:

  • Kevin Mullin (D): 41.7% – 46,462 votes
  • David Canepa (D): 23.9% – 26,594 votes
  • Gus Mattammal (R): 16.6% – 18,539 votes
  • Emily Beach (D): 14.0% – 15,653 votes
  • Jim Garrity (Independent): 2.1% – 2,375 votes
  • Andrew Watters (D): 1.1% – 1,243 votes
  • Ferenc Pataki (Independent): 0.5% – 561 votes
    This is with 79.00% precincts reporting

June 8: NBC Bay Area posted an article titled: “Mullin, Canapa Appear Headed To Runoff For Congress Seat to Replace Speier” From the article:

California Assembly Speaker Kevin Mullin and San Mateo County Supervisor David Canapa appear headed for a runoff in November to replace U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election.

Mulllin, who Speier endorsed in December for the primary, has 23,413 votes, just over 40.1 percent of the tally. The totals are unofficial, with 291 of 291 district partially reporting as of early Wednesday morning, according to the California Secretary of State’s primary election website.

Canapa is a distant second with 14,357 votes at 24.6 percent. Both Mullin and Canepa are Democrats.

Republican candidate Gus Mattammal and Democrat Emily Beach trailed with 17.9 and 13.5 percent, respectively…

…If the results hold, Mullin and Canepa will face each other in a runoff election on the Nov. 8 ballot.

November 3: Kron4.com posted an article titled: “Two pols duke it out to replace ‘icon’ in Congress”. From the article:

Two San Mateo County politicians are vying to replace Rep. Jackie Speier as the Peninsula’s representative in the House.

Kevin Mullin, Speaker of the California State Assembly, has the endorsement of Speier, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (who represents the neighboring district to the north), Gov. Gavin Newsom, and the State Democratic Party…

…David Canepa, a San Mateo County supervisor, is running an underdog campaign. He has the endorsement of several Democratic clubs and current and former elected officials, such as Shamann Walton, the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and the mayors of Brisbane, Pacifica, and East Palo Alto.

Canapa has made health care a key issue in his campaign…

…The district is changing, too; a district that once covered the western Peninsula, such as Half Moon Bay and El Grenada, and San Francisco’s Park Merced neighborhood has shrunken, through San Francisco’s Excelsior and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods are still within the district’s boundaries, meaning that Pelosi isn’t the only representative in Congress’s lower chamber for the City By The Bay…

November 8: Ballotpedia posted the results for the General Election for U.S. House California District 15:

  • Kevin Mullen (D): 56.1% – 67,247 votes
  • David Canapa (D): 43.9% – 52,639 votes

November 9: NBC Bay Area posted an article titled: “Kevin Mullin to Replace Rep. Jackie Speier with Congressional Win” From the article:

California Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin appears to be headed to Congress, holding a sizable lead in the initial results of Tuesday’s election to replace long-time Democratic stalwart Jackie Speier in her District seat representing the Peninsula and parts of San Francisco.

Mullin had nearly 58% of the vote compared to about 42% for San Mateo County Supervisor David Canapa, according to initial unofficial results Tuesday night.

Mullin, 52, was elected to the Assembly in 2013 after serving on the South San Francisco City Council and is the son of former state Assemblymember Gene Mullin.

Speier, who is retiring after nearly 15 years in Congress, endorsed Mullin, who worked for her when she was in the state Senate.

Canepa, who served eight years on the Daly City City Council before joining the county Board of Supervisors six years ago, congratulated Mullins following the release of the official results Tuesday…

November 9: SFIST posted an article titled: “Meet Kevin Mullin, Who Just Won Jackie Speier’s Longtime Congressional Seat” From the article:

As Rep. Jackie Speier leaves Congress after 15 years, her Peninsula and South Bay seat has been won by her endorsed candidate and former state Senate staffer Kevin Mullin.

As some of you may realize, Nancy Pelosi is not the congressional representative for all of San Francisco. Rep. Jackie Speier has represented some parts of southwest San Francisco for years, and the new redistricted map of what is now California’s 15th District keeps that dynamic pretty much in place. What will no longer be in place is Rep. Speier herself, as the survivor of a shooting at the Jonestown massacre announced last year she would be retiring at the end of this term…

…The current numbers from the Associated Press have Mullin up by a 56%-44% margin. There are still plenty more votes to be counted…

…Speier seemingly handpicked Mullin, and she’s a longtime Dem congressional stalwart, so it is little surprise that Spier’s pick for her successor would succeed. She appeared by his side at points during the campaign, as well as Tuesday night when election results rolled in…

California’s 16th Congressional District

Wikipedia posted information about California’s 16th Congressional District

California’s 16th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California, which as of the most recent general election was located in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The district is currently represented by Democrat Anna Eshoo.

On 20 December 2021, the state redistricting commission unanimously approved a new map of congressional districts, under which the new District 16 overlaps largely with the old District 18. The primary election of June 2022 was the first to feature the new districts; however sitting representatives will reflect the old district boundaries until the general election in November 2022.

Prior to the 2020s redistricting, the district included Merced County, most of Madera County, and part of Fresno County. During this time, cities in the district included Los Banos, Madera, Merced, and most of Fresno. The new 16th district is in San Mateo County and Santa Clara County and includes Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Atherton, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Campbell, Woodside and Los Gatos, and the south-central and southwestern parts of San Jose. Most of the old 16th district is now part of the 13th and 21st districts…

…As of the 2020 redistricting, California’s 16th congressional district is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It encompasses the west coast and San Mateo County, and the western border of Santa Clara County.

San Mateo County is split between this district and the 15th district. They are partitioned by the San Francisquito Creek, Menalto Ave, Willow Rd, S Perimeter Rd, W Perimeter Rd, Bay Rd, Marsh Rd, Middlefield Rd, Highway 82, Highway 84, Alameda de los Pulgas, Woodhill Dr, Farm Hill Blvd, The Loop Rd, Jefferson Ave, Summit Way, California Way, Junipero Serra Freeway, and Highway 35. The 16th district takes in the cities of Pacifica, Menlo Park, and Half Moon Bay, California.

Santa Clara County is split between this district, and the 17th district, the 18th district, and the 19th district. The 16th and 19th are partitioned by Old Santa Cruz Highway, Aldercroft Hts Rd, Weaver Rd, Soda Springs Rd, Love Harris Rd, Pheasant Creek, Guadalupe Creek, Guadalupe Mines Rd, Oak Canyon Dr, Coleman Rd, Meridian Ave, Highway G8, Guadalupe River, W Capitol Expressway, Senter Rd, Sylvandale Ave, Yerba Buena Rd, Silver Creek Rd, and E Capitol Expressway.

The 16th and 18th are partitioned by Annona Ave, Santiago Ave, Tully Rd, Highway 101, S King Rd, Valley Palms Apts, Story Rd, Senter Rd, E Alma Ave, S 7th St, Monterey Rd, Barnard Ave, Highway G8, Highway 87, W Alma Ave, Belmont Way, Belmont Ave, Minnesota Ave, Prevost St, Atlanta Ave, Fuller Ave, Riverside Dr, Coe Ave, Lincoln Ave, Paula St, Highway 280, and Highway 880.

The 16th and 17th are partitioned by Stevens Creek Blvd, Santana Row, Olsen Dr, S Winchester Blvd, Williams Rd, Eden Ave, Lexington Dr, Valley Forge Way, Gleason Ave, Moreland Way, Payne Ave, Saratoga Ave, Doyle Rd, Highway G2, Royal Ann Dr, Wisteria Way, Rainbow Dr, Highway 85, S De Anza Blvd, Prospect Rd, Fremont Older Open Space, Permanente Creek, Highway 280, N Foothill Blvd, Homestead Rd, Stevens Creek, We EL Camino Real, Magritte Way, Highway G6, Highway 101, and Enterprise Way.

The 16th district takes in the west central section of the city of San Jose, the cities of Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Mountain View, and the census-designated place Stanford, which includes Stanford University.

Ballotpedia provided information about Anna Eshoo

Anna Eshoo (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 16th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2023. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Eshoo (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 16th Congressional District. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Eshoo was first elected to the seat in 2012. Before representing the 18th Congressional district, Eshoo represented in California’s 14th Congressional District from 1993 to 2013.

Eshoo endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S presidential election.

Anna Eshoo was born in New Britain, Connecticut. Eshoo earned a A.A. from Canada College in 1975. Her career experience includes working as the chief of staff to the speaker pro tempore of the California State Assembly. Eshoo served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and as a Democratic National Committeewoman from California.

Anna Eshoo completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions she answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is a trailblazer, proven problem solver, and national leader with an extensive record of achievements and critical subject matter expertise. For the past three decades, she has served the people of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties with great distinction.

As a member of Congress, Anna has been a health pioneer, a champion of new medical research and groundbreaking cures, a human rights and consumer advocate and a staunch proponent of clean energy innovation and the environment. She is the first woman in the history of the U.S. Congress to Chair the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee and in that role has worked to end the COVID-19 pandemic and produced legislation to lower the price of prescription drugs.

Anna is also recognized as a national leader on technology policy and has led the way on safeguarding personal information, holding companies accountable for violating individual privacy, and combatting the spread of disinformation and extremism on social media platforms.

Like many of her constituents, Anna is a proud first generation American. She is a proud mother of Karen and Paul and a devoted aunt.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Protect Our Democracy. Today, our democracy, the rule of law, and the democratic ideals of equality and justice for all are under assault. As a member of Congress, Anna has consistently offered bills and voted for legislation that protects the integrity of our elections, increases transparency, and expands voting rights access, especially for minorities.
  • Heal Our Nation. Our nation is deeply divided and this division is mirrored in Congress. Last year, a vicious mob, incited by the former president, attempted to stop the counting of the Electoral ballots and upend the peaceful transition of power, a hallmark of our democracy. In the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, political polarization has resulted in a deadly “pandemic of the unvaccinated.” Our nation’s ability to heal and recover from these crisis is hindered by partisanship and fake news. Anna is the leader we need now. She is a highly effective legislator who believes in and has a long record of bipartisanship.
  • Strengthen Our Economy. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on our economy and taken a disproportionate toll on small businesses and essential workers for whom remote work is not an option. It has exposed and exacerbated inequalities with an over-reliance on foreign manufacturers. Anna is focused on tackling these issues to improve the lives of all her constituents. She has advocated and voted for critical emergency aid, funding to expand broadband access, rapid vaccine development and deployment, and increased coronavirus testing. Anna has done this with an eye to protecting the most vulnerable among us – leaving no one behind…

Anna is a national leader and currently serves as the Chair of the Health Subcommittee in the House. Anna supports universal healthcare. She knows the burdens of the high costs of pharmaceutical drugs, and with her leadership, Medicare will now be able to negotiate costs directly, just as the VA does today. She has increased funding for mental health services, opioid treatment, and medical research.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Anna’s efforts have produced cutting-edge legislation, such as the nation’s Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act which helped to produce life-saving Covid vaccines and the bill to establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). ARPA-H would create an independent health agency that would incubate and foster biomedical innovation to transform how we detect, treat, and cure the deadliest, most aggressive diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and pancreatic, liver, lung and ovarian cancer.

Anna is a staunch defender of human rights, civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, privacy rights – and the right to live a dignified life with equal opportunity to pursue the American dream. She believes that we owe it to future generations to protect the planet and ensure that our workplaces, neighborhoods and schools are safe from gun violence. Anna has a long record of fighting for equality and justice, not only when it is popular or widely accepted.

Ballotpedia provided information about Rishi Kumar.

Rishi Kumar (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 16th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Rishi Kumar earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1994. Kumar’s career experience includes working as a business executive. He has served as an executive board member of the California Democratic Party and a delegate of the California Democratic Party.

Rishi Kuman completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

It is an honor to be back again running in this race. In the November 2020 election, we won 127,000 votes, more than any other challenger in the last 30 years against the incumbent. We are back for a win! Our August polling shows my opponent’s support has sunk to just 35% – there are no republicans in this race. Our neighbors are calling for new blood and for the torch to be passed. We can’t address our challenges today if we keep sending the same people back who have failed for decades. Here are more reasons to vote for Rishi Kumar:

  • I am the only candidate in this race who is running an Ethics-in-Politics campaign and who has taken a pledge to accept no corporate campaign money.
  • I’m the only one fighting for the people with a getting-things-done bipartisan approach
  • I’m the only tech savvy candidate – a critical skill for Silicon Valley representation.
  • I was honored to be reelected with the most votes in 64 years of my city for delivering results. I have rejected 9 of San Jose Water’s rate increases

I will be honored to have your vote by Nov. 8.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • As the first tech-savvy representative from this district, I will grow our economy, bring American jobs back to restore our supply chain integrity and ensure that our innovation economy thrives as the world’s innovation hub..America needs leaders with integrity. I operate at the behest of the People and no one else. Here are my priorities https://risihumar.com/priorties. With 127,000 votes received in the November 2022 election, I’m back to win. I am ready to step in, take charge and get things done to address the pending challenges of America and our district. I’m the only candidate running an ethics-in-politics, corporate money free campaign.
  • I will leverage the extraordinary technical and financial resources of the richest, most innovative congressional district in America to act on our burning issues. I’m the only candidate in this race who fights to reduce drug prices, who protects Medicare for seniors – pushes to expand it – and who supports Medicare for All. https://rishikumar.com/medicare I will champion reproductive rights, climate change, and stopping the senseless death of our children at school. I will defend our democracy, reduce crime, inflation and the exodus. I’ll establish an additional congressional office at the coastside to prioritize coastal issues. I will get more done in my first two years than you have seen done in decades and NEVER sell out.
  • I will push for a cleanup of Washington with term limits, ban congressional insider trading, establish a collaborative problem-solving approach, not divisive partisan politics, with a people-centric agenda, not lobbyist-centric. Check out my stories as a maverick at RishiKumar.com

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

  • Purge dark money from American politics: I will always reject tainted PAC & Special Interest Group money and will fight to overturn Citizens United that allows the insertion of Super PAC money into American politics. Time for politicians to serve the people and not the lobbyists.
  • Protect Women’s Reproductive Rights: I will legislate Roe and get it done once and for all. RBG once said that Congress should have acted to enshrine women’s equal justice under law decades ago. It tragically didn’t, and we should question those in Congress who failed.
  • Diligent action with climate and coastal protection.
  • Fiscal responsibility, reduce America’s deficit and expand the economy: It is essential that the nation’s deficit is reduced through new fiscal approaches grounded in economic principles. I am against tax & spend. We need to alleviate this energy crisis by actively encouraging and innovating with new energy sources to grab market share.
  • Stop the exodus: We need a plan to address the valley’s challenges with rising crime, housing, traffic, and homelessness. I sincerely believe that the push for high-density housing is flawed and without a managed growth plan. These policies do not address infrastructure support such as water, sewers, roads, schools and recurring droughts.
    Ballotpedia provided information about Peter Ohtaki

Ballotpedia provided information about Peter Ohtaki

Peter Ohtaki (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 16th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Peter Ohtaki was born in Menlo Park, California. Ohtaki graduated from Woodside Hight School. He earned a B.A. in economics from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University. Ohtaki’s career experience includes working as the vice president of enterprise incident management of a bank and as the executive director of the California Resiliency Alliance. He served as the board president of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District Board of Directors.

Ballotpedia provided information on Richard Fox.

Richard Fox (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 16th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Richard Fox’s career experience includes working as a physician and attorney.

May 4: Palo Alto Online posted an article titled: “Eshoo faces rivals from left, right, and center in bid to retain Congress seat” From the article:

The seven candidates vying to replace U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo in a newly redrawn Silicon Valley congressional district know they face an uphill climb.

Since she was first elected in 1992, Eshoo has been cruising to reelection in the heavily Democratic district, routinely picking up about 70% of the vote. California’s switch to a top-two primary has barely blunted her political fortunes.

Kumar, a tech executive who serves on the Saratoga City Council, is hoping for better luck this time around. He is one of seven candidates hoping to replace Eshoo in the new District 16, which stretches along the coast from Pacifica to northern San Jose and which encompasses large sections of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, including the cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Woodside, Portola Valley, and portions of Menlo Park and Atherton.

On Tuesday night, Eshoo and six of her challengers tried to make a case for their respective candidates at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters (Kumar was the only candidate who did not participate in the event). While Eshoo recalled her recent accomplishments in the House of Representatives, each of her opponents made the case that it’s time for a change and that they are the best option for representing the dynamic Silicon Valley district.

Among the challengers was Palo Alto City Council member Greg Tanaka, a Democrat who over the years has stood out on the council for repeatedly voting against the city budget and, more recently, for his staunch opposition to the city’s proposed business tax. A fiscal conservative whose jeremiads about decline of innovation in Silicon Valley have been a staple of council meetings, he rejected on Thursday of voting along a party line…

Ajwang Rading, an attorney at the Palo Alto-based firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, is also vying to represent the district. Unlike Tanaka or Kumar, who opposes Sacramento’s housing mandates and who pledges not to increase taxes, Rading leans blue all the way. He embraces an ambitious Democratic platform that revolves around issues of social justice, climate change and universal health care…

…Eshoo is also facing a challenge from the right, with three Republicans hoping to win a seat in the heavily Democratic district. The most politically moderate of the three is former Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki, whose campaign calls for resisting unfunded housing mandates, fighting inflation and seeking more federal dollars for transportation projects. Ohtaki, who grew up in Menlo Park and spent eight years on the council, said his experience as both an elected official and as a chief financial officer at a tech firm make him well qualified for the seat…

…The other two Republicans in the race position themselves further on the right of the political spectrum. Richard Fox, who leans libertarian and who has been a vocal opponent of vaccine mandates, is characterizing his candidacy as a battle not only against Eshoo but also against President Joe Biden’s Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci and the pharmaceutical industry.

Benjamin Solomon is running as a pro-business candidate who wants to lower taxes. He also has, however, embraced in his campaign the national Republican Party’s opposition to “critical race theory,” an intellectual movement that emphasizes the role of race in shaping American institutions such as criminal justice and education. And like Fox, he is a skeptic when it comes to climate change.

When asked about the topic on Tuesday, Fox suggested that government-funded research “usually reaches the conclusions the government wants it to reach,” while Solomon rejected the international consensus about the threats of climate change and suggested that “global alarmists scientists” are not telling people the full truth…

…The only candidate on the list who is not affiliated with either major party is John Karl Friedrich, a Palo Alto resident and retired government teacher who has made several unsuccessful bids for the City Council, most recently in 2016. Fredrich supports the “Medicare for All” plan, is skeptical about American military intervention and wants to abolish the Electoral College and pass the Equal Rights Amendment, which was introduced in 1923 but never ratified. The act aims to guarantee equal rights to all Americans, regardless of sex…

May 12: Palo Alto Online posted an editorial titled: “Editorial: Our election recommendations” From the editorial:

With California’s open primary rules, established when voters approved Prop. 14 in 2010, the top two vote-getters in all partisan races, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November general election. For non-partisan county offices such as district attorney, sheriff and assessor, however, there won’t be a runoff in November if one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the primary.

For Palo Alto voters, that means there will automatically be a runoff election In [sic] November for the congressional seat held by Democrat Anna Eshoo and the state Assembly seat held by Democrat Mark Berman, and it’s highly likely in the Santa Clara County sheriff’s race, where four major candidates are running with no incumbent.

In the county district attorney and accessor races, it is likely that incumbents Jeff Rosen and Larry Stone will exceed the 50% mark.

We are concerned that two incumbents, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and County Assessor Larry Stone, have been in office for 30 and 27 years respectively. These two have been reelected by overwhelming margins of the years, because they are competent, hardworking and have served their constituents well. They are all but assured of being reelected again this year, in part because their continued service discourages others from running because of the advantages of incumbency, especially in fundraising.

But at ages 79 and 81, they should be creating opportunities and encouraging new candidates to follow in their footsteps and allow a new generation of leaders to represent us. If reelected, we hope that each will announced after the election their intention to retire when their new terms end so that there is plenty of time for good an diverse candidates, including women and people of color, to step forward to run for these important positions.

As noted above, Anna Eshoo has been one of the most popular and successful elected officials ever to serve this region. In 14 reelection campaigns since her initial election in 1992, she has never faced a serious challenge. That is a tribute to both her excellent service and attentiveness to her constituents and the close alignment of her views with her Democratic district.

This year, perhaps because of an increasing belief that it may be time for her to step aside, or that she will do so in two years, Eshoo has seven challengers – three Republicans, three Democrats and an independent. With Eshoo almost certainly set to be the top-vote getter, the second-place finisher who will compete against her in November could get as little as 15% to 20% of the vote in the primary depending on how evenly spread out the voting is.

We hope Eshoo’s opponent in November is Ajwang Rading, a Democrat and attorney at the Palo Alto-based firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati who has sparked a strong local following in support of his bid for public office. Rading, 30, embraces a liberal Democratic platform that revolves around the issues of social justice, climate change, and universal health care…

…A general election campaign between Eshoo and Rading would be an inspiring match-up between an accomplished representative nearing the end of her career who has paved the way for countless other women to seek higher office and an idealistic and passionate young man of color just starting his political journey…

June 24: The New York Times reported Calfornia’s 16th Congressional District Primary Election Results:

  • Anna Eshoo (Democrat): 81,047 votes – 47.9%
  • Rishi Kumar (Democrat): 26,415 votes – 15.6%
  • Peter Ohtaki (Republican): 21,332 votes – 12.6%
  • Richard Fox (Republican): 13,175 votes – 7.8%

October 8: The Mercury News Editorial Board posted an editorial titled: “Eshoo, seeking 15th term in Congress, still knows her stuff” From the editorial:

In 1992, when Anna Eshoo ran for Congress, we noted that she “has worked diligently on health care as a (San Mateo County) supervisor, and she knows her stuff.”

Thirty years later, as she runs in the Nov. 8 election for a 15th term in Congress, that’s still true. Eshoo’s understanding of health care, voting rights, biotechnology and women’s issues far surpass that of her challenger, Saratoga City Councilman Richi Kumar.

At some point, Eshoo, who turns 80 on Jan. 3, will retire and give way to a successor to carry on her work protecting our democracy and advancing Silicon Valley’s needs. Kumar is not up for the task. He has had a hard time just getting along with his colleagues on the Saratoga City Council and would be ineffective in Washington.

Regardless of whether Democrats retain control of the House and Senate following the midterms, the challenges facing Congress will be immense. The region needs smart, respected and experienced leaders to set us on the right course.

Voters in the 16th District should send Eshoo back to Washington. The newly drawn district stretches from Pacifica at the north end to Los Gatos at the south. It includes Campbell, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and a slice of San Jose.

Eshoo is chair of the House Subcommittee on Health. But it’s not the number of bills she has passed that tells whether she is a successful leader. It’s in what actually gets passed and what gets rejected. She authored portions of the Affordable Care Act and the bill that played a major role in the rapid development of vaccines to combat COVID-19.

If reelected, she would continue advocating for universal health care and fighting for her bill to create the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to foster biomedical innovation for fighting deadly diseases.

Kumar, a mechanical engineer, is a progressive Democrat. He advanced to the general election by garnering 16% of the vote, edging out Republican Peter Ohtaki, in the June primary in which Eshoo received 48%.

When Kumar ran against Eshoo in 2020, we said it was questionable whether he deserves another term on the Saratoga City Council, much less a seat in Congress. He has done nothing since then to change our minds. If Human has been unable to develop a working relationship with his fellow council members in eight years of office, we don’t see how he can develop the necessary support to get any of his ambitious promises passed in Congress.

Kumar pledges to expand Medicare, rein in Pentagon spending and crush “big money in politics.” Those are worthy goals. But Kumar also has a habit of taking credit for the work of others. For example, he still maintains that he stopped eight different San Jose Water rate hikes. But it is the California Public Utilities Commission that has the authority to accept or reject rate hike requests – not a Saratoga city councilman.

The 16th District needs a respected, experienced member of Congress for the tasks at hand. That candidate is Anna Eshoo. Voters should reelect her.

October 25: Los Altos Online posted an article titled: “Congressional candidates Eshoo & Kumar debate who is really getting things done” From the article:

Longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo faces the most serious challenger of her career in the race for the newly drawn 16th Congressional District seat, which covers a large portion of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Her opponent, Saratoga City Councilmember Rishi Kumar, also a Democrat, has a clearly drawn platform, alleging Eshoo has ties to the pharmaceutical industry and has been ineffective in her 30 years of office.

One of the cornerstones of Kumar’s campaign is that he pledged not to accept donations from super PACs, a point he often flaunts in comparison to the hundreds of dollars Eshoo has received from pharmaceutical companies over the course of her political career, playing on a long-standing critique of Eshoo that in her career as a Congress member and chairperson of the Health Subcommittee, she has not done enough to further the progressive goal of making health care more affordable.

Kumar, though still early on in his political career, is not without his own controversies. Last election cycle, residents of the congressional district found lawn signs promoting Kumar they did not consent to being placed in their yards, and alleged that the candidate had rude campaign volunteers who didn’t like taking “no” for an answer. In December 2020, Kumar was denied his ceremonial turn as mayor for 2021 on the Saratoga City Council (which rotates annually among council members, as in Los Altos), with a fellow council member remarking that he was unsuitable for the job. In May 2019, Kumar was confronted during a city council meeting by a group of activists asking him to answer for the enthusiastic support he showed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party in India, who has been accused of eroding Muslims’ human rights in India and condoning violence during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

In stark contrast to Kumar’s campaign marketing, Eshoo has highlighted her own accomplishments rather than attempting to deconstruct any of Kumar’s arguments. In a recent Town Crier interview, Eshoo made little mention of him, but she did refute some of his claims…

December 18: The New York Times reported the results of California’s 16th Congressional District Results:

  • Anna Eshoo (Democrat): 139,235 votes – 57.8%
  • Rishi Kuman (Democrat): 101,772 votes – 42.2%

California’s 17th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 17th Congressional District:

California’s 17 congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California that is currently represented by Ro Khanna. It is located in the South Bay and East Bay regions of San Francisco Bay Area.

The district includes parts of Alameda County and Santa Clara County. It encompasses the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Santa Clara County. It encompasses the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Newark, the majority of Fremont, and the northernmost and westernmost parts of San Jose. The district includes the campus of Santa Clara University and the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc, Intel Corp., and Yahoo. It is the only majority-Asian district in the contiguous United States. It is also the wealthiest Congressional district in the United States.

From 2003 to 2013, the district covered all of Monterey and San Benito counties, as well as part of Santa Cruz County. It included all of the coastal communities surrounding Monterey Bay, the city of Salinas, and the vast majority of the Salinas Valley. The district was mostly unchanged during the 2021 redistricting…

…As of the 2020 redistricting, California’s 17th congressional district takes up the Tri-City area of the San Francisco Bay Area. It takes up the western borders of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.

Alameda County is split between this district and the 14th district. They are partitioned by Mission Peak Regional Park, Witherly Ln, Mission Blvd, Washington Blvd, Farallon Cmn, Paseo Padre Parkway, Grimmer Blvd, Blacow Rd, Omar St, Butano Park Dr, Farina Ln, Nimitz Freeway, Highway 84. The 17th district takes in the south side of the city of Fremont, and the city of Newark.

Santa Clara County is split between this district, the 16th district, and the 18th district. The 17th and 16th are partitioned by Stevens Creek Blvd, Santana Row, Olsen Dr, S Winchester Blvd, Williams Rd, Eden Ave, Lexington Dr, Valley Forge Way, Gleason Ave, Moreland Way, Payne Ave, Saratoga Ave, Doyle Rd, Highway G2, Royal Ann Dr, Wisteria Way, Rainbow Dr, Highway 85, S De Anza Blvd, Prospect Rd, Fremont Older Open Space, Permanente Creek, Highway 280, N Foothill Blvd, Homestead Rd, Stevens Creek, W EL Camino Real, Magritte Way, Highway G6, Highway 101, and Enterprise Way.

The 17th and 18th are partitioned by Steven’s Creek Blvd, Di Salvo Ave, Bellerose Dr, Forest Ave, Wabash Ave, W San Carlos St, Race St, The Alameda, University Ave, Elm St, Highway 82, Newhall St, Morse St, Idaho St, Alameda Ct, Sherwood Ave, Hamline St, Highway 880, Highway 101, McKee Rd, Toyon Ave, Penitencia Creek Rd, Canon Vista Ave, Crothers Rd, Alum Rock Park, Sierra Rd, Felter Rd, Weller Rd. The 17th district takes in the north side of the city of San Jose, the cities of Milpitas, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino.

Ballotpedia provided information about California’s 17th Congressional District:

California’s 17th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives is represented by Ro Khanna (D).

As of the 2020 Census, California representatives represented an average of 760,350 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 702,904 residents.

Ballotpedia provided information about Ro Khanna:

Ro Khanna (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 17th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2017. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Khanna (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 17th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022…

…Khanna first ran for the seat in 2014, where he lost the election to incumbent Mike Honda (D) by 4,714 votes. In 2016, Khanna won election to the seat, beating eight-term incumbent Mike Honda (D) by 51,344 votes. Khanna was re-elected to the seat in 2018 after beating Republican Roy Cohen in the general election by a vote of 75 percent to 25 percent, capturing over 107,000 more votes than Cohen.

Khanna is a former U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary.

Khanna accepts donations solely from individuals and proposed the No PAC Caucus in the House of Representatives.

As of 2019, Khanna listed the following as his priorities:

  • Banning PAC & lobbyist money
  • Creating technology & manufacturing jobs across America
  • Providing debt free college
  • Supporting apprenticeships & vocational training
  • Standing up for women’s rights
  • Investing in new industries & clean technologies

Ballotpedia provided information about Ritesh Tandon:

Ritesh Tandon (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 17th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Tandon completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A: The grandson of a freedom fighter, Ritesh Tandon, was instilled with an appreciation for freedom and independence. This would lead him to The United States of America at age 28, where he attended Santa Clara University to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer engineering. Later, Ritesh Tandon completed his second Master’s in Business Administration from the same university. While attending Santa Clara University, Ritesh met Zurich Dhar, a fellow computer engineer. They were married in 2001 & made the Bay Area their home.

Professionally, Ritesh Tandon worked on unified communications products for Cisco, starting with engineering and continuing with technical marketing. Then, he managed global strategic alliances for Jabra. Currently, Ritesh is the CEO of the Kricel Corporation.

Ritesh is a Research Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business; his research topic is “How to Revive California’s Economy Using Open Innovation”.

Ritesh worked for two decades for non-profit organizations & served as an executive member of the Sankara Eye Foundation, President of UPMA, & Alliance lead for the Smart Village Movement, helping the underprivileged/common people to live better lives.

After two decades in the Silicon Valley, Indian-American engineer, philanthropist, and businessman Ritesh Tandon run for Congress in the South Bay. He has built a successful career in technology while simultaneously being a leader by helping others through his work with non-profits.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

At this time, our public policies are in absolute chaos. In my opinion, the current elected Congressman works for rich people and has no experience seeing how common people suffer. These career politicians have no idea what the common people’s needs are, and many times, they create bills that fund them, ignoring the common people’s needs.

Economy – inflation, supply chain, domestic manufacturing & exports. We are stuck in one of the worst inflation cycles in the last 40 years. The gas prices are the culprit, like in the late 70. The bad energy policy of Mr. Biden has been at the root of this inflationary cycle, not the Putin war. Lockdown philosophies & unfettered monetary stimulus created inflation. Interest rate hikes are meant to destroy demand. Supply-side economics policies do work. I will vigorously put those together to avoid impending recession & avoid losing domestic and export purposes. The US must balance its trade deficits worldwide.

Security/Hate Crimes – Defunding the police policies & fewer punishments for crimes have escalated crime rates all over. There are more hate crimes against Asians. It is time that progressive elements of the Democrat party do not play with people’s lives & property. The death of George Floyd was wrong! However, rioting & defunding the police are equally wrong! We need safety in our neighborhoods. Poor foreign policies & untimely responses have resulted in the dishonorable withdrawal from Afghanistan & Russian aggression. We could have avoided today’s war situation in 2014 when Russia took over Crimea. We ignored Russian amassing large forces on the Ukrainian border last year. We need to stop reacting & start thinking practical peace!

Education – Children are the largest & most precious investment for parents. STEM education should be the prime focus of schools. Parental participation is a prerequisite to good education. Family values, cultural backgrounds & religious sentiments are essential & institutions must be sensitive to that completely. No race-based discrimination bills (Prop16). School choice has many benefits, where tax dollars go with the students to institutions meeting defined standards. Competition between public & private schools would allow us to measure performance per dollar. Additionally, the association of good schools with richer neighborhoods will change. We need all communities to exceed in giving their precious children the best education they can.

Also, they make false promises of tuition forgiveness, free healthcare, and much more. These are all empty talks just about getting elected. My opponent raised more than $4.2 Million in the last two years and more than $10 million in the last six years; think who funds him? Six years, nothing is done, how long will you wait for change?

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

At this time, our public policies are in absolute chaos. In my opinion, the current elected Congressman works for rich people and has no experience seeing how common people suffer. These career politicians have no idea what the common people’s needs are, and many times, they create bills that fund them, ignoring the common people’s needs.

Also, they make false promises of tuition forgiveness, free healthcare, and much more. These are all empty talks just about getting elected. My opponent raised more than $4.2 Million in the last two years and more than $10 million in the last six years; think who funds him? Six years, nothing is done, how long will you wait for change?

February 16: Washington Monthly posted an article titled: “Ro Khanna’s Plan to Make Big Tech Better” From the article:

BILL SCHER: Much of Joe Biden’s legislative agenda is stalled now. Do you think progressives should heap blame on Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema for their resistance? Or do Biden and congressional progressives deserve some of the blame?

RO KHANNA: There could be an alternative, not mentioned in the hypothetical.

I wouldn’t heap blame on Senators Manchin or Sinema. I don’t think anything constructive comes out of that. What we must do is figure out what can pass. I believe you can get $400 to $500 billion in addressing climate change, and preschool for every three and four-year-old in America. That’s a huge deal. And expand Medicaid.

What is to blame for us not being able to get there? We have some of the slimmest majorities that a president has had. We have one of the most polarized countries. So, if you have very slim majorities and no Republican votes, it’s hard to thread the needle. I think Biden has done quite well in that circumstance to get the American Rescue Plan and infrastructure passed. And if we are willing to compromise, we can do something very big for climate and social investment…

…BILL SCHER: It seems to me that Democrats proceeded with the American Rescue Plan on the notion that if we deliver economically, who cares if it’s technically bipartisan or not. If we slip in this child tax credit, and we send these checks out, it’s going to be so popular that everyone’s gonna love us for it. I’m curious whether amongst you or other progressives, is there any kind of introspection about that plan not working out.

RO KHANNA: To me the child tax credit was not just about popular policy. To me that was about justice. It was about cutting child poverty. I’m not sure that was seen as a political winner, though I think it’s more positive than not. But I think it was more of a sense of, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do the right thing.”…

…BILL SCHER: Let me end with a political, midterms question. It seems to me that both parties right now are in some degree of circular firing squad. With the Republicans tied up in knots over January 6, and Democrats frustrated with how Manchin and Simon have stalled Build Back Better. What needs to happen for progressives and moderates to get on the same page and maximize their chances for beating the odds and having a good midterm?

RO KHANNA: First, let’s stop making every disagreement an issue of questioning a person’s integrity and motives. You can have a philosophical disagreement and not be corrupt.

And then I think we must be proud of what we’re achieving and have a clear vision of what we’re going to do to give people economic opportunity.

And finally, we must be patriotic and tell a story of patriotism. I think the biggest challenge is when you hear every Democratic speech, and it lists all the things wrong with America. And I guess as aa son of immigrants, I marvel at all the things that are still right about America. And people don’t need their leaders to remind them of everything wrong. They want leaders telling them why their nation can lead the 21st century.

It’s like if you have a football coach, and the coach keeps giving speeches about everything wrong with their team. No, they want to know, how are you going to take the team to the Super Bowl? What’s your plan? We need more of that.

April 20: Harvard Politics posted an article titled: “An Interview with Ro Khanna” From the interview:

Harvard Political Review: In the digital age, politics itself has been digitized: campaigns have gone online, fact-checkers have to be more swift, and freedom of speech is often equated with freedom to tweet. Yet, in terms of campaigns and messaging in a Politico article, dated April 9, you mentioned that it’s Biden’s messaging, not the message, that you disagree with. So, by what means do you think the PR wing of the Biden administration could maximize its potential and exploit technology and social media to empower its messaging?

Ro Khanna: Well, the first thing is old-fashioned, which is that I think the President getting out more into communities outside of Washington is important. You know, for example, when Intel is investing $20 billion into Ohio, instead of announcing that from Washington, announce it with Governor DeWine in Columbus, have people who are going to be getting these new jobs there know about it. But I also think that we have an aggressive strategy of winning the news cycle every day. You know, Trump would wake up and say something outrageous and try and win the news cycle every day. I think having an aggressive strategy on social media with cable news and saying – so, how are we going to set the tone for the week? For the day? Being foremost in driving the news and driving our message, that action of being aggressive is really important.

HPR: But, many high-level politicians have been really concerned about the role of Big Tech, especially in politics, after January 6th, the use of which has often been attributed to the excessive spread of fake news on Facebook. Many have also called for breaking down the monopolies: Elizabeth Warren, for instance, has called for breaking up Big Tech, Senator Sanders voiced concerns about the monopolization of Big Tech, et. al. Therefore, as someone who represents Silicon Valley, what are your views on this debate about breaking up Big Tech?

Khanna: We do need stronger antitrust enforcement. But I don’t think we can just reflexively break up companies in ways that will hurt our innovation, nor do I think antitrust is always the solution to privacy issues or deliberation issues. But, I think the antitrust is important – the antitrust issue was that a company shouldn’t be able to squash competitors, they shouldn’t be allowed to privilege there own platforms, and we can have strong regulations, strong legislation that addresses that, without saying he have to break up Apple into three companies or Google into three companies. Now, maybe it’s justified in some cases, maybe Facebook should be unwound but those have to be fact-based determinations, not just pronouncements from Congress…

Ballotpedia posted the results of Nonpartisan Primary for the U.S. House California District 17:

  • Ro Khanna (D): 67.3% – 33,244 votes
  • Ritesh Tandon (R): 23.3% – 11,497 votes
  • Stephen Forbes (D): 5.7% – 2,808 votes
  • Rao Ravul (D): 2.2% – 1,083 votes
  • Joe Dehn (L): 1.6% – 767 votes

June 24: Ro Khanna posted a press release on his congressional website titled: “STATEMENT: KHANNA ON SUPREME COURT DECISION TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE” From the press release:

Today, Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA), Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade strips Americans of their basic freedom and endangers the health and safety of millions. It strips women of the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. It hits low-income women, women of color, and women living in rural areas particularly hard. It defines not only 50 years of legal precedent, but also the will of the American people.

It is heartbreaking to watch our country go backwards and see our hard-fought progress eroded. But we cannot give up. Now, we must mobilize and do everything possible to save the right to an abortion. That means rallying a wave of public support, ending the filibuster and passing legislation in the Senate to codify Roe v. Wade. It also means addressing the polarization of the Supreme Court that paved the way for this decision. It is time to end lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court to restore judicial independence and trust in the highest court in the land.

We are a party that stands for freedom, and that includes a person’s ability to make decisions about their own body, their own family, and their own healthcare. We’ll keep fighting for freedom until this egregious decision can be reversed.”

October 12: Progressive Voters Guide posted information about Ro Khanna titled: “Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress”. From the information:

Rep. Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood, as well as publications like the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, and the Oakland Tribune, and labor unions, like the California Nurses Association, National Nurses United, California Labor Federation, and SEIU. He is also endorsed by federal, state, and local elected officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, U.S. Senator Padilla, and many mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.

Top issues: Rep. Khanna is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for more green jobs. He has also paid special attention to digital security and modernization.

Priority Bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-18 have included 26 bills about taxing corporations, technological innovation, public health, 21st century jobs, and labor conditions. Of these, two have successfully been passed by the House. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve accessibility and user experience on government websites and to create digital “centers for excellence” to guide cyber-security decisions in federal IT systems.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Ro Khanna currently sits on three committees, including the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, and Oversight and Reform. On the Oversight and Reform Committee, he chairs the subcommittee on the Environment.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2020, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 43 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce and as an attorney. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy access, and equity online.

Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna, a former lawyer, university lecturer, and member of President Obama’s cabinet, is from Philadelphia, PA, and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated from Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University…

Ballotpedia posted the results for the General Election for U.S. House California District 17:

  • Ro Khanna (D): 69.6% – 65,528 votes
  • Ritesh Tandon (R): 30.4% – 28,212 votes

California’s 18th Congressional Distric

California’s 18th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 18th Congressional District:

California’s 18th congressional district is a cngressional district located in the U.S. state of California. The district is currently represented by Democrat Zoe Lofgren. It includes portions of Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties, extending from the southwestern San Francisco Bay Area through the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific coast. Since the 2022 election, the district is landlocked and includes the Salinas Valley and downtown and eastern San Jose.

Due to the presence of Silicon Valley, the disict had a median household income of $149,375, the second highest of any congressional district in the country.

Following the 2020 census and the subsequent 2020 United States redistricting cycle, California lost a congressional district, leading to significant changes across California’s districts. Most of the area previously part of the 18th district was splintil the new 16th district and 19th district. The 18th district was moved to cover the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and the downtown and east side of San Jose. With the changes, the 18th became a Latino majority district…

…As of the 2020 redistricting, California’s 18th congressional district was shifted geographically to cover the Salinas Valley. It encompasses San Benito, the southernmost point of Santa Cruz County, and the interiors of Santa Clara and Monterey Counties.

Santa Cruz County is split between this district and the 19th district. They are partitioned by Pajaro River, Highway 129, W Beach St, Lee Rd, Highway 1, Harkins Slough Rd, Old Adobe Rd, Corralitos Creek, Varin Rd, Green Valley Rd, Casserly Rd, Mt Madonna Road. The district takes in the city of Watsonville.

Santa Clara County is split between this district, the 19th district, the 16th district, and the 17th district,. The 18th, 16th and 19th are partitioned by Bella Vista Ln, Bodfish Creek, Burchell Rd, Bluebell Dr, Day Rd, Highway G8, W San Martin Ave, Santa Teresa Blvd, Sunnyside Ave, Morgan Hill City Limits, Hale Ave, Tilton Ave, Monterey Rd, Highway 101, Coyote Rd, Anderson Lake, Las Animas Rd, Metcalf Rd, Yerba Buena Creek, Old Yerba Buena Rd, Aborn Rd, Quincy Rd, Norwood Ave, Murillo Ave, Pleasant Acres Dr, Westview Dr, Pleasant Knoll Dr, Guluzzo Dr, Flint Ave, Marten Ave, Goldwater Dr, Ocala Ave, Wonderama Dr, Cunningham Ave, Swift Ave, Highway 101, Story Rd, Monterey Rd, Highway 87, Highway 280, Highway 880.

The 18th and 17th are partitioned by Steven’s Creek Blvd, Di Salvo Ave, Bellerose Dr, Forest Ave, Wabash Ave, W San Carlos St, Race St, The Alameda, University Ave, Elm St, Highway 82, Newhall St, Morse St, Idaho St, Alameda Ct, Sherwood Ave, Hamline St, Highway 880, Highway 101, McKee Rd, Toyon Ave, Penitencia Creek Rd, Canon Vista Ave, Crothers Rd, Alum Rock Park, Sierra Rd, Felter Rd, Weller Rd. The 18th district takes in the center of the city of San Jose and the San Jose district of Alum Rock. It also takes in the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy.

Monterey County is split between this district and the 19th district. They are partitioned by Union Pacific, Highway G12, Elkhorn Rd, Echo Valley Rd, Maher Rd, Maher Ct, La Encina Dr, Canyon Rd, San Juan Grade Rd, Highway 101, Espinosa Rd, Castroville Blvd, Highway 156, Highway 1, Tembladero Slough, Highway 183, Cooper Rd, Blanco Rd, Salinas River, Davis Rd, Hitchcock Rd, Highway 68, E Blanco Rd, Nutting St, Abbott St, Highway G17, Limekiln Creek, Likekiln Rd, Rana Creek, Tularcitos Creek, Highway G16, Tassajara Rd, Camp Creek, Lost Valley Creek, Lost Valley Conn, N Coast Rdg, 2 Central Cod, Cone Peak Rd, Nacimiento Fergusson Rd, Lost Bueyes Creek, and the Monterey County Southern Border. The 18th district takes in the cities of Salinas, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, and the north side of the census-designated place Prunedale.

Ballotpedia provided information about Zoe Lofgren:

Zoe Lofgren (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 18th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2023. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Lofgren (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 18th Congressional District. She won the general election on November 8, 2022.

Lofgren represented California’s 16th Congressional District in the U.S. House from 1995 to 2013. From 1994 to 2018, Lofgren captured between 65% and 73.9% of the vote at general elections.

Lofgren was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from California. Lofgren supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

January 18: San Jose Inside posted an article titled: “Lofgren Builds Support in New Congressional District that Stretches from San Jose to Salinas” From the article:

Three weeks after the California Citizens Redistricting Commission solidified its new state and federal district lines, Congresmember Zoe Lofgren of San Jose is tasked with convincing the mostly Latinx voters in Salinas, Pajaro, and San Juan valleys that the paring with downtown San Jose can indeed work in their favor.

Lofgren, who has been in Congress since 1994, took her first step in trying to accomplish that task on Jan. 15. She met with local politicians from across the region in Salinas and secured two key endorsements from Congressmember Jimmy Panetta of Carmel and Assemblymember Robert Rivas of Holister, whose team organized the press conference.

The current representative for the 19th Congressional District, Lofgren will run for a 15th term in the new 18th Congressional District this year. That new district Paris parts of San Jose, including the downtown area, with a region of the state that is known for its strong agricultural base and growing Latinx population.

It will be a massive shift for Lofgren, who started her career in politics on the board of San Jose City College before moving up to Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Though she called the new district “unusual,” Lofgren sad that she is not completely unfamiliar with the area, as she’s worked on immigration reform with people in the agriculture industry over the years.

But, she admitted, “the voters here don’t know me yet.”

“So I need to introduce myself,” she said. “And I don’t know them yet, so I’m here listening and learning. But it’s kind of exciting.”…

February 7: The Intercept posted an article titled: “Poll Shows Silicon Valley Rep. Zoe Lofgren At Odds With Her District Over Big Tech Reforms” From the article:

A new poll by Data for Progress shows that Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a key opponent of tech antitrust reforms, is widly out of step with constituents in her Silicon Valley district. The poll, which was provided exclusively to The Intercept, shows that despite living in the belly of the tech beast, voters in California’s 19th Congressional District are worried about tech giants’ economic power and lack of accountability as the rest of Americans.

Among a number of eye-catching findings, the poll’s 610 respondents – who were weighted to match the demographics of likely voters in the district – supported the bipartisan American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which is picking up momentum on Capitol Hill, by a 46-point margin, 58 percent to 12 percent, after being presented with arguments for and against the bill. Pollsters also found that two-thirds of respondents agreed with the argument that the economic power of companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google is a problem for the U.S. economy.

The findings call Lofgren’s continued opposition top measures that would increase competition in the technology sector into question. With liberals and conservatives both becoming increasingly focused on addressing the power large technology companies hold, a rare bipartisan effort to increase competition in the sector has been gaining traction in both chambers of Congress. Last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which seeks to prevent tech companies from using their platforms to give preferential treatment to their own products, with a vote of 16-6. (Five Republicans voted with the 11 Democratic members of the committee.)..

…”Some of the ‘tech antitrust’ bills in Congress are poorly-drafted, extreme, and go beyond legitimate, real-word concerns,” Lofgren wrote in a statement to The Intercept. “They target four tech companies, but don’t actually prevent the disinformation, privacy violations, and abusive consumer manipulation by algorithms that so many of my constituents and I decry.”

As an alternative, Lofgren pointed to the Online Privacy Act, a bill she introduced with California Democratic Rep. Anna Eshoo, which “would actually be effective in dealing with problems in the tech sector by preventing the abusive collection and retention of personal information,” according to Lofgren. “If companies can’t collect data, they can’t use that data to manipulate Americans for profit.” While the Online Privacy Act would restrict data brokering, it would play no role in antitrust regulation of tech…

April 15: BenitoLink posted an article titled: “Primary Election 2022: 18th Congressional District” From the article:

…There are three candidates for the 18th Congressional District seat: Luis Acevedo-Arreguin, Peter Hernandez, and Zoe Lofgren. BenitoLink sent all three candidates questions and requested responses in their own words.

Luis Acevedo-Arreguin was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, raised in Queretaro, and currently lives in Castorville. He studied chemistry at the University of Queretaro and environmental engineering at the National University of Mexico. He obtained graduate degrees in education, applied mathematics, and statistics at the UC-Santa Cruz.

BenitoLink: San Benito County lacks affordable and adequate broadband service, how can you effectively advocate for funding for equitable internet in this area?

Acevedo-Arreguin: When the pandemic started in 2020, giant corporations like Google offered to bring the internet to the rural zones of California. Another giant tech entrepreneur offered to build a satellite-based system to bring the internet to any place in the world. The lack of internet service in rural areas made school instruction for children extremely difficult. It was also very difficult for children who did not have internet at home, if they were not able to afford internet. As a lawmaker, I will advocate for families lacking fast-speed internet or living in rural areas to get access to this essential service at affordable prices. No student should have their instruction delayed or stopped by the lack of technological tools or services.

Gavilian College serves San Benito County and is in a financial crisis. What can you do to ensure there is access to higher education opportunities within the county?

Acevedo-Arreguin: I was a community student at some point in my life and I currently hold an adjunct position at a community college where I teach mathematics. I understand how I will also be vigilant that our natural resources will be an important factor of the equation when new residential developments are under study. Water is a limiting resource for our communities’ survival and just establishing more rental units or building new huge apartment structures in our communities already struggling for better services would complicate our housing problem. We need more affordable housing for homeless, low-income and middle-income families in the right places without detriment of more and better services for our established neighborhoods.

San Justo Reservoir is an important issue for residents. Other than advocating funding for the zebra mussel eradication plan (over $6 million), what else can you do to help reopen it?

Congressman Jimmy Panetta has worked hard to obtain funds to eradicate the invasive zebra mussel. However, people who used to go fishing at the reservoir feel that his work goes very slowly. it is important to know that many people go fishing not just for pleasure but to feed their families. I know from a fishing businessman that there are a lot of fishermen who often fish to help feed their families.

It is important to focus on an experimental treatment for that water such as using potassium chloride. There have been previous experiences showing how this reactant has helped remove those mollusks from bodies of water in other states. Since the difference is just that San Justo Reservoir is an open system compared to the closed system where the potassium chloride treatment was effective, then we need to adapt the procedure for this variable. The experimentation would be a good opportunity to link a local project with our community college and other actors in the region. Through a community effort (which I would like to participate in), we can help solve the water quality problem of San Justo Reservoir…

…Peter Hernandez, 47, was born and raised in San Benito County. He lives in Hollister. He us a small business owner and San Benito County Supervisor. He graduated from San Benito High School.

BenitoLink: San Benito County lacks affordable and adequate broadband service, how can you effectively advocate for funding for equitable internet access in this area?

Hernandez: As a San Benito County Supervisor I serve on the Broadband Ad-Hoc. We have worked with our member organization RCRC (Rural Counties Rural Cities) to extend support for “final mile” broadband projects where access to rural areas, as an example, are limited. In order to best advocate for equal access we must address the looming debt and inflation through putting forward cost-cutting regulations and increasing advocacy for our low-access regions.

Gavilan College serves San Benito County and is in a financial crisis. What can you do to ensure there is access to higher education opportunities within the county?

Hernandez: Government’s greatest strength is facilitating success by opportunity, access and creation. Higher education would be best at responding to shifting market needs by ensuring education is consistent with those needs. I would help facilitate a process to support economic development and job creation with supporting institutions of higher learning and enticing them to my district with education that meets our district’s needs.

San Justo Reservoir is an important issue for residents. Other than advocating funding for the zebra muscle eradication plan (over $6 million), what else can you do to help reopen it?

I have been lobbying the federal government for the last four years to get this problem addressed and resolved. The last contact was with Connie Conway, who was the state executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in hopes that she can help acquire the funding. This has officially been a politicized element at the federal level. We at the Board of Supervisors level have brought the Bureau of Land Management to the table many times with very generalized and weak responses. The mention of a $6 million zebra mussel eradication has been known to be the solution but there has not been any political will to get it done. One of the first things I would do is sit down with the BLM and ask for transparency, a timeline, and expectation for ongoing reporting (time) to report back to the community via town hall, and let them answer directly to the people. Light, like transparency, will clear a path to opening our San Justo Reservoir. Parallel to that, I will lobby my colleagues for the money to get it done…

…Zoe Lofgren, 75, was born, raised and still lives in San Jose. She attended public K-12 schools locally and was the first in her family to graduate from college, receiving a BA from Stanford University on a California State Scholarship, and a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law on another scholarship. Early in her career, she served as a member of staff for Rep. Don Edwards (her predecessor in Congress) for more than eight years in both his San Jose and Washington, D.C., offices. She spent a few years practicing immigration law at the firm Webber and Lofgren and taught immigration law at the University of Santa Clara School of Law. Her first election position was a member of the San Jose Evergreen Community College Board in 1979. That same year, she became the first executive director of the San Jose nonprofit Community Housing Developers. In 1980, she was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors as part of the first ever female-majority board. She served as supervisor for 14 years. She was first elected to Congress in 1994 as the only freshman Democrat from west of the Rocky Mountains.

BenitoLink: San Benito County lacks affordable and adequate broadband service, how can you effectively advocate for funding for equitable internet access in this area?

Lofgren: Since the early days of the internet, I have prioritized the expansion of broadband services as it impacts local communities and plays an important role in maintaining and growing America’s competitiveness globally. I have consistently advocated and voted for increased federal funding for broadband in Congress. Additionally, I have supported targeted bills to expand high-speed broadband for specific populations, such as bills to ensure there’s plentiful access for first responders and bills to improve access in all public schools (including those in rural and harder-to-reach areas).

Since the COVID pandemic, I have voted in favor or three major pieces of federal legislation that made significant investments in broadband expansion: 1) The CARES Act (which passed in March 2020 at the outset of the pandemic) included a $100 million federal infusion; 2) The American Rescue Plan included more than $350 million for broadband; and 3) The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill provided around $10 million for California alone for a new Affordable Connectivity Program to help low-income households afford broadband internet. As a senior member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have always made my voice heard on expanding broadband, and plan to continue to do so for the 18th District in the future.

Gavilan College serves San Benito County and is in a financial crisis. What can you do to ensure there is access to higher education opportunities within the county?

Lofgren: Most decisions about allocating school funding, for both K-12 and higher education, are made at the state or local level. However, the federal government provides additional education funding through the annual appropriations process, and I have always been an advocate for increasing education funding during my time in Congress. I believe education is the most important investment we can make. My career and life have been shaped by access to affordable education opportunities and I never take that for granted.

San Justo Reservoir is an important issue for residents. Other than advocating funding for the zebra mussel eradication plan (over $6 million), what else can you do to help reopen it?

In addition to advocating for funding for the zebra mussel eradication plan, I plan to use my experience of brining people together to advance movement on the reopening. Over the years, I have learned just how important it is to bring federal, state and local stakeholders together to collaborate.

For example, for the past few years, I have been leading inter-agency, cross-government meetings on the Anderson Dam reservoir project. That reservoir is located between San Jose and Morgan Hill, and in 2019 I learned there were significant delays on a key improvement project for the dam. I Brough every involved party together in the same room to address miscommunications and to ensure there was a cohesive path for moving forward. That first in-person meeting led to a series of meetings (the most recent one held on March 31) and the public safety project is now on track.

We’re no longer encountering the types of delays we saw before we started the inter-agency meetings. It can be extremely valuable to come together at all levels of government to see progress, and that seems necessary for the San Justo Reservoir protect…

June 1: Progressive Voters Guide posted information titled: “Reelect Congressional Representative Zoe Lofgren to keep CD-18 on the right track for progress” From the information:

The Position: Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district…

…The District: California’s 18th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara, Monterrey, San Benito, and and Santa Cruz Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 18% are Republican and 51% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 51% Latino, 14% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be a strong Latino seat in the California congressional delegation. After the 2021 redistricting process, CD-18 is 3% more Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that CD-18 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 42 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 39 points.

The Race: There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democratic Incumbent Zoe Lofgren and Republican Challenger Jeff Gorman. Lofgren’s campaign has raised more than $900,000 and is not funded by police money. Rep. Lofgren’s campaign has also received donations from tech firms, such as Amazon, Facebook, and Google, even as polls have shown that voters in the district are concerned about tech companies’ economic power and lack of accountability. Gorman is a Republican whose platform is copied from the California GOP’s overall platform.

The Recommendation: …Rep. Lofgren’s priorities for CD-19 this year have included 26 bills about civil liberties, gun control, and women, all of which have successfully passed the House. She currently chairs the Committee on House Administration. This year, Rep. Lofgren has voted 100% of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96% of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez…

…As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. However, she has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on holding Big Tech more accountable, even on antitrust bills that have bipartisan support and despite strong support from her constituents. Lofgren has been a strong supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, and LGBQTIA+ equity, and has led the implementation of the House of Representatives’ mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination trainings…

June 2: San Benito.com posted an article titled: “Meet the candidates: 18th U.S. Congressional District” From the article:

The race for the newly drawn 18th U.S. Congressional District features two challengers to the incumbency of Congressmember Zoe Lofgren, who is vying for her 14th consecutive term.

But Lofgren has not yet represented San Benito County in Congress, as her district lines were redrawn earlier this year based on the 2020 U.S. Census data. She has previously served in the 19th Congressional District.

Challenging her in the 18th District are U.S. Citizenship Instructor Luis Acevedo-Arrguin and San Benito County Supervisor Peter Hernandez…

…The Free Lance reached out to all three candidates with a list of questions so our readers could get to know a little more about them. However, only Lofgren responded.

Lofgren is a former partner in an immigration law firm, has served on the board of San Jose Evergreen Community College and as Executive Director of Community Housing Developers. She was first elected to Congress in 1994.

Acevedo-Arreguin in the past 20 years has held several jobs, including as a lab technician for an agricultural company and a teacher, according to his candidate statement posted on the registrar of voters website. He currently helps immigrants become U.S. citizens by obtaining temporary legal status.

“I want to represent you in the U.S. Congress to work with other lawmakers so we can accomplish immigration reform, to attain more affordable health care for low and middle class families, and to ensure that our rights and freedoms in the Constitution will always be protected,” his candidate statement says.

Hernandez, a Hollister business owner, is currently serving the final year of a four-year term on the county’s board of supervisors. He previously served on the Hollister School District Board of Education.

“Our costs of living are skyrocketing. We are paying too much for gas, food, and all other daily needs,” Hernandez said in his candidate statement. “Crime is increasing in our neighborhoods. When elected to Congress, I will support policies/sponsor bills that will reduce inflation and put criminals in jail…

Ballotpedia provided the results of the Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 18:

  • Zoe Lofgren (D): 56.3% – 47,843 votes
  • Peter Hernandez (R): 31.3% – 26,599 votes
  • Luis Acevedo-Arreguin (Independent): 12.4% – 10,513 votes

June 19: CBS News posted a transcript titled: “Transcript: Rep. Zoe Lofgren on “Face The Nation,” June 19, 2022″ From the transcript:

Margaret Brennan: We now want to go to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren from California. She is in San Jose. Good morning to you. You’re one of the investigators on this Select Committee, and I think one of the most powerful moments was when the retired conservative judge Judge Lutting said that he sees a clear and present danger today. He said there could be further attempts to subvert American democracy in 2024. What exactly is the threat you see?

Representative Zoe Lofgren: Well, I think Judge Luttig said it very well. And by the way, he is a very conservative man once considered by Republicans for the Supreme Court. I think his concern and I share it is that the former president is continuing to campaign to undercut confidence in the election system. They are installing a loyalist who say that the election was stolen and states were going to count the votes. They clearly tried to get the Vice President to throw the actual votes out and replace electors with the losing candidate. And it looks like that’s in the works for the next election as well. It’s a great concern.

Margaret Brennan: So to be clear, there are about 100 Republican candidates for office right now who are repeating that they are election deniers they’re repeating some of what President Trump still claims. At least five of them have won their primaries. Have you found any direct links between any of those candidates and the grift that you have been tracking?

Rep. Lofgren: Well, we are going to release additional information. I’ve got the staff working on it right now. Obviously the hearings are a couple of hours each and you can’t lay out all the information that’s been compiled. So I know there’s been substantial interest in the – the big rip off and we will provide additional information to the public soon…

Ballotpedia provided information about Peter Hernandez:

Peter Hernandez (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 18th Congressional District. Hernandez lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Peter Hernandez’s career experience includes owning Ohana Shave Ice.

Ballotpedia provided information from Peter Hernandez’s campaign website:

Renew. Public Safety

The Rule of law & bring back safe communities.

Decriminalization laws, defund the police movements, and an intentional weakening of our rule of law has made our communities unsafe. To address the need. Congress like the local government have deferred their authority for too long. Between the divisive top down policies and the deferral of local authority we have been riper loss of freedom.

Restore. Parents rights to educate their children

Parents should have the right to educate their children. It’s time for parents to get what they paid for, an education for their children they can control. In 2014 as a School board member i [sic] saw a change in ED code where the term Pupil which defined the parent and student as one, changed to student, and the dangerous policies followed. Fast forward to today, where mandates and lockdowns forced their children into a lose, lose situation.

Revive. The middle class

The middle class is the muscle of our economy * As a small business owner deeply connected to the business community we have felt the pain of not just the lockdowns but increasing regulatory burdens * 40,000 businesses closed during the pandemic, half of them never to open again. * Small businesses – 20 employees yet bear largest regulatory burdens. This reality makes the individual a key piece of the American economy, playing a critical role in its success and growth.

The official website of Peter Hernandez has the following information on its about page:

Peter Hernandez is a first generation Mexican-American. He was born and raised in San Benito County, California, by parents who worked the fields, and he grew up in the agricultural community. He bought his first bike after working as a laborer in the Apricots Orchards as a young boy. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a love for God, and a deep respect for the American dream and American exceptionalism.

As a small business owner today, Peter understands firsthand the dedication and creativity required for a small business to thrive. And as a Hispanic man, Peter is dedicated to encouraging Hispanic families in the civic and electoral process, and looks forward to serving as their voice and representative in US Congress.

Peter currently holds office as a County Supervisor for San Benito County. He is passionate about restoring representative government as originally intended – local people representing and enriching local communities – as opposed to government serving and enriching itself. During the pandemic shutdowns, Peter stood against the overreaches of the state, believing the local communities should decide for themselves how to best care for and protect their constituents. He worked to keep businesses open, knowing how vital they are to the health of the local economy.

Peter is an America First candidate who stands against the harmful progressive policies of the Biden administration and the current Democrat Congress…

Ballotpedia provided information about Luis Acevedo-Arreguin:

Luis Acevedo-Arreguin was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. Acevedo – Arreguin’s career experience includes working as a high school teacher, a college instructor, and a U.S. citizenship instructor.

Ballotpedia provided information about Luis Acevedo-Arreguin’s campaign website:

IMMIGRATION REFORM

We need to fight for an immigration reform that grants a permanent lawful residence status for all DACA dreamers and for all essential workers, who despite their immigration status, have helped our communities survive the most terrible pandemic of our century.

We need to fight for a permanent legal status for all our agricultural workers who, despite severe working conditions, continue to work every single day in the fields of the Salinas valley to cultivate and pick the vegetables that our families need at their tables. Our agricultural workers constantly work very long hours in extremely hazardous working conditions, such as working through the pandemic, being exposed to toxic air quality due to fires, heatwaves and heavy rain. Farmworkers feed our nation and we need to protect them.

We need immigration reform now – one that offers a pathway to citizenship for as many undocumented immigrants as possible. We also need to be realistic when we work towards a comprehensive immigration reform bill. An all-or-nothing immigration reform bill generally only favors the political groups that are opposed to immigration reform since it will take much longer for undocumented immigrants to become citizens. We need to come to an agreement with all parties so that we can help as many undocumented immigrants as possible. While we may not be able to guarantee a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants immediately, we need to work towards a pathway for all undocumented immigrants by breaking down our long term immigration reform plan into smaller, more attainable goals. As we make progress and are able to create a pathway to citizenship for more undocumented immigrants, then we can work on encouraging as many new citizens to vote. It is my hope that these new citizens will also empower and educate others in their communities to vote. Through a collective community effort, we will be able to continue working towards our long term plan for a comprehensive immigration reform. Through smaller and more consistent victories, we can increase our electoral influence so that we can attain permanent legal status for all. We are stronger together.

MORE AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE FOR LOW-INCOME & MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES

The economic impact that the pandemic left in our communities made our middle class families more vulnerable to health care struggles. Long before the pandemic, many families were going bankrupt due to unexpected medical bills from emergencies. The pandemic only worsened our country’s health care inequalities. As COVID-19 spread rapidly, more and more families were finding themselves in debt from medical expenses. Certainly, some stimulus checks helped those families cope with the everyday basic expenses but some medical bills were still too high.

We need to pursue legislation that will allow low income and middle class families to deal with the costs of unexpected medical expenses without putting at risk all their savings – that under different circumstances may have been used to pay rent or for their children’s education. During these past two years, many middle class families have transitioned from middle class to low income due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Access to affordable healthcare should not be a privilege. Our families should not have to go bankrupt in order to pay for medical expenses after an emergency. We need a more humane, just, and affordable healthcare system that works for ALL – not just the very few.

MORE AFFORDABLE COLLEGE FOR LOW-INCOME & MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES

We live in a district where many of our children’s parents work in the agricultural fields. Oftentimes, many children are not able to graduate high school or pursue a higher education because they drop out of school in order to start working and supporting their families financially. If higher education was affordable, it would encourage more parents and families to view pursuing a higher education as a more viable investment into not only the future of their families, but also the future of their communities.

Keeping higher education unaffordable is an injustice that continues to target low and middle class families.

If our country is able to support other countries in times of need, such as in times of war or during the pandemic, then our country should be able to support its own people by providing access to affordable higher education.

The community colleges in every region where poverty levels are high should receive government support so their students from low-income and middle class families can pursue a degree that will allow them to break the poverty cycle in which they live. Our country is missing the value and the economic impact new graduates from community colleges can bring to their own communities. College education should be free. If not free, we need to make it affordable. Students should at the very least have access to work-study programs at their college or university. Participating in a work-study program helped me tremendously in finishing my graduate degree.

DEFENDING OUR CONSTITUTION

In difficult times and when democracy is at risk in other countries we have to be ready to defend our Constitution and our basic rights and freedoms. The unalienable rights outlined in our Bill of Rights are the cornerstone to why so many of us have immigrated to this beautiful country.

We should not succumb to the constant pressures put in place by various powerful special interest groups aimed at confusing and dividing our nation, leading us to easily give up our freedoms in the name of survival. These are the times to review the history of the United States and recognize that our Constitution is the vigorous stem from which all our freedoms branch from. We have to remind ourselves during every crisis that we immigrated to this country because of the rights that allow low-income families to pursue a better life, for the idea of achieving our American dream. Don’t forget that, “en los Estados Unidos sí se puede!” and that future generations depend on our resolution to defend our Constitution. You can count on me to be persistent and vigilant in defending our Constitution from any attempts to subvert or damage the freedoms that have allowed minorities to have a voice and succeed in America.

August 14: BenitoLink posted an article titled: “Monterey County Farm Bureau endorses Peter Hernandez for Congress” From the article:

Peter Hernandez for Congress announced received an endorsement from the Monterey County Farm Bureau.

According to the statement from the Farm Bureau in the news release, Hernandez interviewed with the directors of the Farm Bureau and stated he believes in policies that support law enforcement and community safety, talking inflationary pressures due to overspending by government, and support improving immigration policies and the farm employment sector.

“Farmers and their families who grow the food we depend on are being threatened with closure due to overarching government reach on traditional fertilization practices in the name of the environment,” Hernandez said in the news release. “The policies being pushed upon them are threatening their ability to maintain production and make ends meet threatening closure. I will fight to maintain farmers autonomy and support farmer’s choice policies.”

The release added that Monterey County Farm Bureau was founded in 1917 and represents farmers and ranchers in the interest of promoting and protecting agriculture throughout Monterey County.

“We strive to improve the ability of those engaged in production agriculture to provide a reliable source of food and fiber through reasonable stewardship in our local resources,” the Farm Bureau said in the release…

October 14: Monterey Herald posted an article titled: “Congress: Lofgren, Hernandez face off in District 18; Panetta, Gorman in District 19” From the article:

In November’s general election for the House of Representatives, Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren will go head-to-head with Republican Peter Hernandez in the District 18 race, while Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta will face Republican challenger Jeff Gorman to represent District 19.

Monterey County voters will be among those deciding who will lead the two newly defined congressional districts in what used to be District 20 led by Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, now made up of Districts 18 and 19.

District 18, which covers an area from San Jose to South Monterey County, will see either incumbent Lofgren, D-San Jose, who received 46.51% of the vote in the June primary, or challenger Hernandez, R-Hollister, who tallied 35.43% of the vote, named the House representative for the district.

Lofgren has been a member of the U.S. House for 27 years, currently representing the 19th District. She is a lifelong Bay Area resident, and a graduate of Stanford University and the Santa Clara University School of Law. She currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and the Committee on House Administration. Lofgren is a chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, and a former immigration attorney and immigration law professor.

Hernandez is a first-generation Mexican American, business owner and lifelong resident of San Benito County. He has served on the Hollister School District Board and is currently serving his first term on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, a partnership with the city of Hollister brought about the Downtown Revitalization Project and a lease agreement with the Hollister High School for the building of Riverview Regional Park…

November 8: Ballotpedia provided the results of the General Election for U.S. House California District 18:

  • Zoe Lofgren (D): 64.9% – 48,049 votes
  • Peter Hernandez (R): 35.1% – 25,954 votes

November 18: The New York Times posted the results of California’s 18th District:

  • Zoe Lofgren (Democrat): 99,776 votes – 65.9%
  • Peter Hernandez (Republican): 51,737 votes – 34.1%

California’s 19th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided information about California’s 19th Congressional district:

California’s 19th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California currently represented by Democrat Jimmy Panetta.

Following redistricting in 2021, the district includes most of Santa Cruz County and parts of Santa Clara County, Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County. The new 19th district includes the south side of San Jose and the entire cities of Santa Cruz, Monterey, Seaside, Paso Robles and Atascadero…

…As of the 2020 redistricting, California’s 19th district is located on the Central Coast. It encompasses most of Santa Cruz County, the interior of Santa Clara County, the north of San Luis Obispo County, and the coast of Monterey County.

Santa Clara County is split between this county, the 16th district, and the 18th district. The 19th and 16th are partitioned by Old Santa Cruz Highway, Aldercroft Hts Rd, Weaver Rd, Soda Springs Rd, Love Harris Rd, Pheasant Creek, Guadalupe Creek, Guadalupe Mines Rd, Oak Canyon Dr, Coleman Rd, Meridian Ave, Highway G8, Guadalupe River, W Capitol Expressway, Center Rd, Sylvandale Ave, Yerba Buena Rd, Silver Creek Rd, and E Capitol Expressway.

The 19th and 18th are partitioned by Pajaro River, Highway 129, W Beach St, Lee Rd, Highway 1, Harkins Slough Rd, Harkins Slough, Old Adobe Rd, Corralitos Creek, Varin Rd, Pioneer Rd, Green Valley Rd, Casserly Rd, Mt Madonna Rd, The 19th district takes in the south west section of San Jose.

Monterey County is split between this district and the 18th district. They are partitioned by Union Pacific, Highway G12, Elkhorn Rd, Echo Valley Rd, Maher Rd, Maher Ct, La Encina Dr, Crazy Horse Canyon Rd, San Juan Grade Rd, Highway 101, Espinosa Rd, Castroville Blvd, Highway 156, Highway 1, Tembladero Slough, Highway 183, Cooper Rd, Blanco Rd, Salinas River, Davis Rd, Hitchcock Rd, Highway 68, E Blanco Rd, Nutting St, Abbot St, Highway G7, Limekiln Creek, Likekiln Rd, Rana Creek, Tularcitos Creek, Highway G16, Tessajara Rd, Camp Creek, Lost Valley Creek, Lost Valley Conn, N Coast Rdg, 2 Central Coa, Cone Peak Rd, Nacimiento Fergusson Rd, Los Bueyes Creek, and the Monterey County Southern border. The 19th district takes in the cities of Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Marina, as well as most of the census -designated place Trundle.

San Luis Obispo County is split between this district and the 24th district. They are partitioned by Highway 1, Cayucos Creek Rd, Thunder Canyon Rd, Old Creek Rd, Santa Rita Rd, Tara Creek, Fuentes Rd, Highway 41, San Miguel Rd, Palo Verde Rd, Old Morro Rd, Los Osos Rd, San Rafael Rd, Atascadero Ave, San Antonio Rd, N Santa Margarita Rd, Santa Clara Rd, Rocky Canyon Rd, Highway 229, Lion Ridge Rd, O’Donovan Rd, Highway 58, Calf Canyon Highway, La Panza Rd, Upton Rd, Camatta Creek Rd, San Juan Creek and Bitterwater Rd. The 19th district takes in the cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles.

Ballotpedia provided information about Jimmy Panetta:

Jimmy Panetta (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 19th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Panetta (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 19th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 7, 2022.

Panetta first won election to the seat in 2016 where he defeated Casey Lucius (R) in the general election by more than 160,000 votes. In the 2018 general election, Panetta defeated Independent Ronald Paul Kabat by more than 141,000 votes.

Panetta started his legal career in 1996, working as a prosecutor for the Alameda County District Attorney’s office in Oakland. Panetta served as the deputy district attorney of Monterey County, where he was responsible for prosecuting violent gang members. In 2007, Panetta served on active duty with a Special Operations task force in Afghanistan and was awarded a Bronze Star for his combat service.

Jimmy Panetta did not fill out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection for 2022 or 2020.

Ballotpedia provided information from Jimmy Panetta’s website (from 2016):

  • Comprehensive Immigration Reform: He believes that the time has come for Congress to stop playing politics and get serious about passing common sense immigration reform. America must recognize that children of immigrants born in this county – the so called “dreamers” – should have the chance to earn their way to citizenship in this country
  • Education: Jimmy is committed to making sure the Every School Succeeds Act (ESSA) achieves its goals of providing opportunity to every child, reducing the overreliance on standardized testing, and bringing educators into the decision-making process.
  • Economy and Job Creation: Expanding the local economy, investing in innovation and clean energy, raising wages, supporting workers through job training programs, and helping small businesses grow will be top priorities for Jimmy.
  • Protecting Our Environment: Jimmy knowns that collaboration is the key to getting competing interests to work together for common good because our local economy, tourism, and agriculture are all dependent upon protection of our water, farmland, and forests.
  • Affordable Health Care: Jimmy believes that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. California is helping lead the nation by enrolling eligible individuals and families through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Ballotpedia provided information about Jeff Gorman:

Jeff Gorman (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 19th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Jeff Gorman was born in Monterey, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley in 1992.

Jeff Gorman did not fill out Ballotpedia’s 2022 Candidate Connection Survey. Ballotpedia provided provided the answers he gave to the 2020 Candidate Connection Survey. Here are some of the questions Jeff Gorman responded to:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself?

As a life-long resident of the Monterey Peninsula, I appreciate the beauty and community we enjoy in the 20th Congressional District of California. Serving the community as Representative to the National Capitol would be a tremendous honor. I believe in the power of America. And my belief in a healthy private economy has grown to be a passion.

From early in life, I recall pondering the totalitarian politics manifest during World War II by socialist governments in Italy and Germany. How could that happen? Through my childhood, we lived for years under threat of nuclear war with organized International Communism under the Soviets. How could they think Communism would work? And now, we face another tremendous challenge to the American Way of Life: the current state-run Corporatism of today’s China.

America is the leader of the Free World. We must accept that mangle. We must not appease malicious threats to navigation of trade. We must not accede to terrorism. And we must identify the threat of state-led industrial espionage by powers who are not our friends.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • A strong economy helps all of our other priorities.
  • National security is the primary reason for having a Federal Government.
  • The US economy is great because of our industrious people and our freedoms, especially to keep private property. Local, State and Federal government must be reminded to respect our rights!

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Industrial Policy National Security

Ballotpedia provided information on Dalila Epperson:

Dalila Epperson (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 19th Congressional District. She lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Dalila Epperson was born at Camp LeJuene, North Carolina. Epperson’s career experience includes owning and operating two businesses and working as a vocational nurse at a mentally ill lockdown facility for the institutionally insane.

Dallia Epperson completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey in 2022. Here are some of the questions she answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I understand this is no longer about political affiliation, it’s about our freedoms being taken away. Besides being a grassroots leader/organizer, I am the proud wife of a firefighter and Navy Veteran, mom of 3 adult children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I am Italian and Sicilian- and Italian was my first language. I was born at Camp LeJeune (my father is USMC) and have lived in a couple of countries and several states. I have worked since I was 15 and have owned and operated two small businesses alongside several careers. Most recently before retiring, I was a Nurse at a mentally ill locked-down facility for the institutionally insane.

I am and have been standing and fighting for the freedoms that are being stripped away from us daily through these mandates and shutdowns with mine and other grassroots groups – we must always have the choice to choose what’s best for our children.

I have actively and publicly fought Central Coast public issues: Critical Race Theory, the extreme Sex Ed taught in our schools, defending and supporting law enforcement, protecting local farmers, supporting our small businesses, and attending Supervisor meetings to oppose all mask and vaccination mandates. (not anti-vax, anti-mandate) Everyone is fed up with RINOs! We need real people to lead. People who want our nation back in the direction our Founding Fathers envisioned through our Constitution. Send this Patriotic Freedom Fighter to Congress!

Q: Please list below 3 messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voter to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • Enough! It’s no longer about politics or parties, race or religions, it’s about our freedom. I am not a politician. And I am sick of the RINO’s (Republican In Name Only.) I will represent you and I will fight for our freedom because that is what is most important about being an American.
  • America was built on freedom! Stop all Mandates, No Forced Critical Race Theory or Explicit Sex Ed Teachings to Our Children, Voter ID is a Must, Support our Police and Protect Our Border!
  • Government has become a huge monster in all of our lives. Our Constitution is in place to protect Individual Sovereignty as well as State Sovereignty. Let’s get this monster in check and bring our freedoms back. Let Freedom Reign!

Q: What areas of public policy are you passionate about?

1) As a mom and grandmother, I am especially passionate about our public schools. We need to replace the schoolboards with parents! My team has been working on promoting and teaching parents to run for schoolboard and we’ve been very successful. 2) The Second Amendment is especially precious. Without it, we will be bullied and coerced to do as the government dictates. It is a must to protect and I will happily continue to fight for it to be completely unfringed. 3) Voting ID Legislation to protect the integrity of our votes: We will become a 1 Party Rule if our votes cease to count. The fraud that has been taking place for decades must once and for all be stopped. 4) Protect Our Borders- We will no longer be America without the protection of our borders. Illegal immigrants are not immigrants, they are illegal. I am a first generation on my mother’s side so I understand this more than some. 5) Fund and protect our Police. Our police is what stops the chaos in our neighborhoods. They serve us, let’s serve them by keeping them well funded. 6) We will be prosperous if our economy is stable. And that can happen if our taxes are lowered and we stop printing money. It happens naturally when Small Businesses are allowed to thrive and we middle class Americans can work and thrive alongside policies that create this environment. It’s not a difficult feat to achieve. But the Federal Government must be stopped in printing money and spending as it sees fit.

Ballotpedia provided information about Douglas Deitch:

Douglas Deitch (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 19th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Douglas Deitch was born in San Francisco, California. Deitch earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 1971 and a degree from Stanford University Law School in 1974. His career experience includes founding and working as the CEO of Monterey Bay Conservancy.

Douglas Deitch filled out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Douglas Deitch: Born San Francisco, December 12, 1948… Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe

Education: Stanford BA /wDistinction Political Science (1967-70), Stanford Law School JM/1974 (received both BA and Law JM in record 5 year time).

In 1970 at 21 years of age, my high school sweetheart Elaine and I eloped to Mazatlan from Stanford and then moved into our present mountain home he in the absolute corner of Aptos Rancho in 1974, where we have been ever since. We now include our children Alisha 42, her husband Clay, Dakota 18, Hudson 15, and our son Jake 40, all Monterey Bay natives.

I am very concerned about our Monterey Bay regional water and numerous other unaddressed Federal issues here.

I have unsuccessfully been trying for well over 24 years (http:www.samfarr.info) to meet with my Congressman about our regional 19th District wide groundwater commons overdraft seawater intrusion tragedy http://www.begentlewiththeearth.org, disaster, and food security concern, and solutions and other pressing issues like immediate DACA and other immigration/safety legislation. Expansion of USCS to Watsonville, NDAA, EMP-CME, Oroville possible Golden Gate dams issues, twin tunnels, Monterey Bay Estuarine National Monument. http://.www.thebestthatmoneycantbuy.com http:/.www.dougdeich.com

My only special interest group is you…

I need your vote and help.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voter to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mahatma Ghandi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

March 4: NBCUniversal (via Yahoo! News) posted an article titled: “Rep. Jimmy Panetta: U.S. ‘leading by example’ putting forward bill to ban Russian energy imports” From the article:

1 Community Safety/Law and Order
2 Sustainable 19th District and California Water Policy and Law and Economic Development
3 Immediate DACA and all Immigration and Law and Policy Reform

Q: Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

Mahatma Ghandi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

March 4: NBCUniversal (via Yahoo! News) posted an article titled: “Rep. Jimmy Panetta: U.S. ‘leading by example’ putting forward bill to ban Russian energy imports” From the article:

Armed Services Committee member Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Foreign Affairs Committee member Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) join Garrett Haake to discuss the heightened urgency for U.S. lawmakers to pass an emergency aid package to Ukraine as Russian attacks become more deadly and dangerous. “I do believe we will quickly get this through Congress to provide the support, humanitarian and lethal aid to Ukraine that they need,” says Representative Spanberger. Representative Panetta also shares the importance of a bill that would “cut off Russian oil coming into the United States.” He explains that “by putting forward this bill which bans these imports, we’re leading by example. Hopefully, Europe will follow soon.”

Ballotpedia provided the results of the Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 19:

  • Jimmy Panetta (D): 70.2% – 54,023 votes
  • Jeff Gorman (R): 21.8% – 16,741 votes
  • Dalia Epperson (R): 5.1% – 3,889 votes
  • Douglas Deitch (D): 2.9% – 2,269

October 10: KEYT.com posted an interview with Jimmy Panetta. From the interview:

Why are you running for office?

Jimmy Panetta: I am running for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives so that I can continue to serve the people of our home and fight for our Central Coast values. Although the shape of our congressional district changed, it does not change my dedication and desire to enhance the lives of my constituents. Through my casework for individual constituents, I have helped provide opportunities for numerous people that have had a variety of issues with federal bureaucracies. Through my federal legislation, I am creating policies to protect our environment, provide more affordable housing and accessible healthcare, lower drug prices, support our agriculture industry and small businesses, enhance our national security, and invest in our infrastructure. Having been raised on the Central Coast, I understand the obligation to give back to our communities and country. That is why I hope to continue to have the honor and privilege of representing our home and fighting for our values in Washington D.C.

What makes you qualified for the job?

I have served in the U.S. House of Representatives for just over five years. In that limited amount of time, I have proven that I can get things done in Congress for our home on the Central Coast. I have authored and had signed into law several pieces of federal legislation that supported our men and women in the military and their families, enhanced the lives of homeless veterans, helped manage our federal forests, and ensured security for those in hospice care.

I have fought and secured millions in federal funding for affordable housing, farmworker protections, and infrastructure investment. I also helped author the Farm Bill and the USMCA trade bill to protect and promote our speciality crops and wine industry at home and abroad.

I led the effort to successfully revers the previous Administration’s harmful environmental regulations in order to sustain coastal and ocean resources. I secured compensation for restaurants, small businesses, farmers, farmworkers, and hospice care providers to offset losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. I co-authored the House passed bipartisan Farm Worker Modernization Act to provide opportunities for earned citizenship for essential workers.

Recently, I secured funds in the bipartisan infrastructure law that could be invested in key Central Coast projects including water resources, wildfire resiliency, energy grids, and supply chain solutions. In recent House-passed legislation, I secured key funds for agricultural resources and conservation and tax credits for investments in micrograms and linear generators and purchases of electronic buses and e-bikes to help reduce carbon emissions…

What are your two main priorities if you win?

Affordable housing is a leading issue in the new 19th Congressional District. Fortunately, I have proven my ability to provide solutions and assistance for such a troublesome problem on the Central Coast. In my limited time in Congress, I fought for and secured over $100 million for housing and homelessness programs in my current congressional district. During the pandemic, I obtained $23 million in housing relief and an additional $16 million for rental assistance for Central Coast residents. I am also fighting for more low-income housing tax credits for the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing. I authored and passed a tenant bill of rights for residents of privatized military housing in the annual defense bill. Moreover, I have consistently supported increased in housing allowances for farmworkers, seniors, and people with disabilities, as well as energy efficient and climate resilient upgrades to federally assisted housing…

October 14: Monterey Herald posted an article titled: “Congress: Lofgren, Hernandez face off in District 18; Panetta, Gorman in District 19” From the article:

In November’s general election for the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren will go head-to-head with Republican Peter Hernandez in the District 18 race, while Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta will face Republican challenger Jeff Gorman to represent District 19.

Monterey County voters will be among those deciding who will lead the two newly defined congressional districts in what used to be District 20 led by Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, now made up of Districts 18 and 19…

…District 19 covers an area starting north of Santa Cruz inland to San Jose then southward along the coast including the Monterey Peninsula, the Big Sur area and to northern San Luis Obispo County, including Paso Robles and Atascadero. The upcoming election will decide if incumbent Panetta, who received 70.13% of the June primary vote, or Gorman, R-Monterey, who got 23.18% of the vote, will be the next House representative for the district.

Panetta has represented the current 20th Congressional District since 2017 and grew up on the Monterey Peninsula. He has worked as a prosecutor for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office in Oakland, as deputy district attorney in Monterey County and the U.S. military with a special operations task force in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He currently sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Armed Services.

Gorman is a Monterey native who earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. He is a financial businessman and entrepreneur who holds two degrees and various security licenses…

October 17: KEYT.com posted an article titled: “Panetta vs. Gorman for Congress in District 19, including Northern SLO County” From the article:

Democrat Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Republican challenger Jeff Gorman have divergent views on the role they should play in Washington D.C. Both men are running to represent parts of Northern San Luis Obispo County in U.S. Congress District 19.

“I’m not here to brag about what I’m going to do for other people,” Gorman said. “I think that’s a terrible trap that people are hungry for power set in order to get people into a subjective mindset where they are dependent on the government for things. I want the American people to be independent of the need for a Federal Government handout.”

Panetta is seeking a fourth term in Congress.

“In this job, you really can affect people’s lives,” Panetta said. “You can do that through case work. You can do that through Federal legislation, and you can do that through Federal funding. Obviously, I’ve seen it in the tens of thousands of people that we’ve worked with and helped with that personal government issue.”

Panetta represents District 20 in Congress. With district lines being redrawn after the most recent census, he is now running to represent District 19.

October 24: KSBY posted an article titled: “Jimmy Panetta, Jeff Gorman face off for District 19″ From the article:

The race for the U.S. House District 19 seat is down to two candidates.

Democrat Jimmy Panetta and Republican Jeff Gorman are facing off in the November General Election.

The district was just redrawn, now including northern San Luis Obispo County.

“The goal right now is to make sure that the 55 percent new voters of the 19th Congressional District get to know me,” said Democratic candidate Jimmy Panetta.

“We want working people to be able to get the fuel they need to work. We want our kids well-educated, and we want to know that smart people are in charge of our national security,” said Republican candidate Jeff Gorman.

Panetta currently represents District 20.

“As someone who was raised here, I believe that I understand the obligations we have not just to live here, but to serve here,” Panetta said. “I think that’s proven based on my service as a prosecutor, service in the U.S. Navy as an Afghanistan war vet, and then looking at my past six years as a representative for the Central Coast.”

Gorman is a Monterey resident serving as a financial adviser.

“My first job out of college was dealing with restructuring and helping Latin America get out of bankruptcy,” Gorman said. “My grandmother taught me as a little kid about fairness and about understanding and conceiving of a God that’s watching injustice in it from a heavenly perspective.”

Both candidates say their goal is to preserve the Central Coast, assisting with the physical and financial landscape.

“I am making sure our beauty is protected, our bounty, and our agriculture is protected,” Panetta said. “We have military bases and bedrooms, making sure affordable housing is available for people.”

“All of us have an interest in the federal government balancing its budget, which the current and the current Congress have utterly failed to do,” Gorman said. “That is why we have inflation.”…

…”I’ve made it a point to get down here in many of the communities here in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County,” Panetta said.

“Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, and Gavin Newsom have taken this country and the state in the wrong direction,” Gorman added…

…Because of redistricting, Panetta is considered the incumbent for the new District 19…

Ballotpedia provided the results of the General Election for U.S. House California District 19:

  • Jimmy Panetta (D): 67.3% – 91,936 votes
  • Jeff Gorman (R): 32.7% – 44,596 votes

California’s 20th Congressional District

Wikipedia provided the following information about California’s 20th Congressional District:

California’s 20th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. sate of California. Serving much of southern and southeastern part of the state’s Central Valley, the district is currently represented by Republican Kevin McCarthy, the current House Speaker.

Redistricting in 2022 returned the district to the San Joaquin Valley. The new 20th includes parts of Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno counties. It includes the southern Sierra Nevada and western Mojave Desert, with three “fingers” extending west into the valley. Cities in the district include Clovis, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, Taft, Lemoore, the west and northeast sides of Bakersfield, the south side of Visalia, the northeast side of Tulare, the north side of Hanford, and a sliver of northeastern Fresno including California State University, Fresno. The new 20th district is the most Republican-leaning district in California, according to the 2022 Cook Partisan Voting Index.

Prior to 2022, it encompassed much of the Central Coast region. The district included Monterrey and San Benito counties, most of Santa Cruz County, and portions of Santa Clara County.

Prior to redistricting on 2011, the 20th district was located in San Joaquin Valley. It covered Kings County and portions of Fresno and Kern counties, including most of the city of Fresno. That area is now largely divided between the 21st and 16th districts, while most of the current 20th was within the former 17th.

Ballotpedia provided information about Kevin McCarthy:

Kevin McCarthy (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California’s 20th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

McCarthy (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 20th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.

McCarthy was selected to be the House minority leader in the 116th Congress. On January 7, 2023, McCarthy was elected speaker of the U.S. House in the 118th Congress.

McCarthy represented California’s 22nd Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2007 to 2013. He began his political career in the California State Assembly, serving from 2002 to 2007. He was Assembly Minority Leader from 2004 to 2006.

McCarthy endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.

Kevin McCarthy did not complete Ballotpedia’s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Ballotpedia provided information from Kevin McCarthy’s 2018 campaign website:

Executive Overreach: The Constitution is clear: the structure and stability of our democratic system depends on the President executing the laws passed by Congress – not unilaterally rewriting them. The separation of powers and its checks and balances are designed to protect individual rights and we must continue to act to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Water: Though we can’t legislate rain, we can overcome federal and state policies that are exacerbating our historic water shortage. Even as El Nino [sic] storms provided much needed rain and snow, out-of-touch activists and regulators have idly let water flush out into the ocean instead of capturing it for our communities. By increasing pumping, investing in infrastructrure, and making meaningful changes to our water management regulations we will be able to deliver our communities a reliable water supply.

Enhancing Competitiveness: To produce a business-friendly environment, create jobs, and allow American businesses to compete in a global marketplace, we must keep burdensome taxes low and reduce unnecessary and duplicative regulator red tape.Taxes: There are some in Congress who wish to increase taxes on American families and businesses, so that more money can be spent on Washington programs. We must fight against irresponsible indulgence; taking more from taxpayers does not create jobs or grow prosperity.

Taxes: There are some in Congress who wish to increase taxes on American families and businesses, so that more money can be spent on Washington programs. We must fight against irresponsible indulgence; taking more from taxpayers does not create jobs or grow prosperity.

Securing our Borders: It’s time to secure the border, enforce our laws, and find a real solution. We are a nation of immigrants, but also a nation of laws. Securing the border has to be the first step in developing a realistic solution to our country’s broken immigration system.

Ballotpedia provided information about Marisa Wood:

Marisa Wood (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 20th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Marisa Wood was born in Danville, California. Wood’s career experience includes working as a public school English teacher.

Marisa Wood did not complete Ballotpedia’s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Ballotpedia provided information from Marisa Wood’s 2022 campaign website:

FOSSIL FUEL PLEDGE

I have proudly signed the pledge to not accept any donation from the Fossil Fuel Industry.

PROMISE TO CONSTITUENTS

Every vote I make; every piece of legislation I advance will be grounded this question – am I meeting the needs of the constituents who depend on me?

EDUCATION

As an educator for over 25 years, I know the foundational value of equitable education and the positive impacts on our Central Valley families and students. Education is the great equalizer. Regardless of where a student starts, their opportunities are limitless through education. I have been inspired by my students, who are the first in their family to go to college. I have been inspired by my students living with their whole family in a small trailer but still, show up with their homework done. Their academic success is a beacon of hope for us all.

In Congress, I will continue my job of educating but will focus on teaching politicians in Washington about the importance of investing in our students, from worker training programs and making college more affordable.

From leading Restorative Practices on campus to teaching high achieving students and English learners, my vision has been clear – students come first! Today’s students are our brightest hope for the future! We must prepare them to meet that future with intelligence, integrity, and compassion.

HEALTHCARE

As a teacher for the past 21 years in the Fairfax school district, I have seen my students and their families struggle accessing affordable quality healthcare. We must find a fiscally responsible plan that meets the diverse needs of our families who have limited access to the essential healthcare they and their families need while not sacrificing the quality of care. Individuals and families’ needs are different in terms of their healthcare to include public buy-in options that are affordable and accessible to all which would include expanding Medicare coverage to allow people to buy-in. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table, going to the doctor, or taking their medication. We see today with the COVID-19 pandemic, how the nation came together to solve one of our most pressing public health emergencies. This is proof that we can meet our healthcare needs when we can put people and their healthcare first…

…REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

I will adamantly defend a person’s right to safe, accessible reproductive healthcare. Ultimately, decisions about whether to choose adoption, end a pregnancy, or raise a child MUST be left to the patient, in consultation with their family, their Faith, or healthcare provider if they choose. It is essential that abortion remain a safe and legal medical procedure for a person to consider when and if they need it. This is a deeply personal decision that can not be made for someone else. Patients must have accurate medical information about their options and be supported in their decisions. Politicians should NOT be involved in the personal medical decisions of a pregnancy. The decision rests solely with the individual and not the politician…

Ballotpedia provided information about Ben Dewell:

Ben Dewell (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 20th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Ben Dewell was born in Burbank, California. He earned bachelor’s degree from the California State University at Fresno in 1976 and a graduate degree from the University of California at Davis in 1986. His career experience includes working as the director of the Stallion Springs Community Service District, the director of the Variance Hearing Board for the Eastern Kern Air Pollution District, and the chief meteorologist with WEATHERx.

Ben Dewell completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A: The people of the 20th Congressional District deserve a representative who lives in the 20th – not in the Washington Beltway, understands that needs of its residents from a very personal perspective – not the moneyed positions of the wealthy elite, and who will uphold their solemn oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States – not the whims of any authoritarian wannabe.

I am an 11th generation American and native Californian, raised in the San Joaquin Valley. I hold a Master of Science in Atmospheric Science from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from California State University, Fresno. I’ve forecasted weather as a meteorologist for the specific needs of the world’s most productive agricultural economy, offering the first privately computer accessible forecast prior to the existence of the world wide web. I currently serve as Director the Hearing Board of the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District, inclusive of mining interests and aerospace industries. I am also a Director with the Stallion Springs Community Service District. I am a fiscal conservative, social progressive centrists, always looking for ways to solve the unsolvable.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

  • I am running in the 20th CD to restore democratic principle an accountability and fidelity to the Constitution of the United States to the seat.
  • I grew up and have lived within the present boundaries of the 20th CD from Kern to Fresno Counties for most of 50 years and know it intimately, understand its complex issues from Ag to immigration, not from an absent seat in Washington, but modest rural residence within the 20th.
  • Integrity, compassion, independence – I am with you because I am one of you.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A: DEMOCRACY: Paramount to any other issue at this moment in time is the future of our Democracy. The survival of our American Democracy, humanity’s first and most durable democracy and the light of the world’s oppressed, must be protected against all enemies, foreign or domestic. The right of self determination and the principle that those who lead do so only by the authority of those led must be held sacrosanct.

THE ECONOMY: From the price of gas to the cost of milk and eggs, inflation is eating away at American’s incomes at a startling rate. Nobody knows this better than those of us on fixed incomes, and families. I am with you because I am one of you.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Anthropogenic (man made) climate change is settled science – as much as gravity is. What man hath wrought, man can correct. Although fossil fuels will continue to be an important resource, the continued transition to renewable alternatives must be encouraged and supported if further warming is to be avoided.

IMMIGRATION: In America, unless we are Native American, we all come from somewhere else. Immigration and citizenry demands accountable and orderly policies so the both citizens and immigrants understand their responsibilities and obligations. The dignity of work and family must be upheld for those willing to come to this nation to do the jobs that Americans won.

AMERICA’S WILDLANDS: America’s wildlands, the envy of the world, are our heritage. We protect them because our children have a r [sic]

Ballotpedia provided information about James Macauley:

James Macauley (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 20th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022.

James Macauley was born in San Francisco, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University in 1977. Macauley’s career experience includes working as an accountant.

James Macauley completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. Here are some of the questions he answered:

Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A: I’m a retired accountant. I received a BS Degree from San Jose State University in 1977: Double Major: Finance & Economics. I worked in the Hi-Tech industry for 10 years before starting my own consulting practice, providing Financial, Operational, Administrative and Sales Services.

Father of three, I believe America’s missions still about building a culture of Self-Governance for ordinary people. Freedom, Faith, Family, Fraternity, Fidelity – Funded by American Capitalism. These are the values that historically bound us together… and I believe can still unite us today … as one people and one nation under God. And for my money, that’s all intakes to be a “True American” … of every race, gender, color or creed.

Having heard my views on the Tax Structure, people often ask me if I’m a Republican or a Democrat. My response is always the same, “Does it matter?” I’m a registered Republican and Conservative. But more importantly, I’M A TRUE AMERICAN with a “Hopeful Vision of what America can still become” …a vision that one day in our near future we can drop all the qualifiers that were created by political interest groups to divide us… and simply say “I’m an American” … and that will say all that needs to be said.

How about you? Are you also a True American with a hopeful vision of a far better future? If not, maybe I can help you with that. If so, perhaps my Business Plan.. “The 70/70 Proposition” is just the plan to get us there.

Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Consistent with the Taxation Agreement made with the American people in 1913, every worker, Rich or Poor, effective 1/1/23 shall receive $120,000 of their income federally tax-free. This reduces the taxes of 43 million taxpayers to “0″

Consistent with 1913 Tax Agreement, effective 1/1/23 workers may convert 15.3% Employer/Employee Payroll Tax on up-to $120,000 of income into “Mandatory Tax-Free Savings” increasing the Investment Capital for 70% of workforce by up-to $18,360.

Consistent with the 1913 Taxation Protocols, as intended all federal faxes on income beginning 1/1/23 shall be paid by the top 20% of American income earners. “Noblesse Oblige”: With great wealth comes great responsibility… beginning with taxes.

Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

While I have well developed views on the steps, both strategically and tactically, that America’s political leadership should be taking today at the Federal, State and/or Local level to address the issues of… Inflation, Public Safety, Education, Homelessness, Term Limits, Trading Bans, Net Worth Disclosures, Student Debt, Immigration, National Sovereignty, Border Security, Energy/Resource Independence and the Recalibration of our National/Global Interests particularly as they pertain to China and Russia…

…as your Congressman… “To Right This Ship Domestically”

I believe our first priority as a nation “MUST BE” to reduce the taxes paid by working Americans in-order-to:

1 increase their Disposable Income by reducing whenever possible the taxes they are forced to pay at the Federal, State and Local Level

2 increase their rightful share of the growth and prosperity of the country these working Americans are in fact responsible for building and maintaining… by doing what?

…by simply giving every worker in America from a very young age another “Choice” about how and where … THEIR MONEY … their Payroll Taxes… their “Mandatory Retirement Savings” is invested throughout their career.

My Goal: Turn every worker in America at the age of 16 into a “Working Capitalist” so they then have the opportunity by the time they retire to also be Financially Independent and living the American Dream.

Ballotpedia also reported that James Davis (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 20th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 7, 2022. Ballotpedia has no further information about James Davis.

March 24: KGET.com posted an article titled: “A closer look at Kern’s candidates: Marisa Wood” From the article:

This June and November, voters in Kern will face a slate of options. 17 News is sitting down with Kern’s candidates so the county can make informed decisions.

We are turning to Kern’s 20th congressional district which stretches from Bakersfield to the Fresno suburb of Clovis. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) is the incumbent in this race. He is facing a slate of challengers in Marisa Wood (D), Jim MacCauley (R), James Davis ‘The Deviant’ and Ben Dewell.

A Closer look at Marisa Wood

Middle school teacher and first-time congressional candidate, Marisa Wood, entered politics with the hope of taking down one man.

“I have the courage to stand up to the bully Kevin McCarthy, career politician,” she said. “I ask my students every day, I’m like be the one, be the one to stand up to the bully and now, ironically, I’m being called to do just that.”

The daughter of a teacher, Wood grew up in California’s Bay Area. She met her husband, John – who works in agriculture – while in college at California Polytechnic State University. Together, they moved to Bakersfield where they raised three kids on an apple farm…

…Now in her 60s, Wood has taught English at Fairfax Junior High for the last two decades. That’s where she says she saw she could make a difference.

“Eight eight percent of my students receive free and reduced lunch, 10% are from migrant families, 13% are homeless, so I have faces and hearts that I’ve seen that are struggling,” she said.

It could be an uphill battle for Wood, a Democrat, in a deep-red district in which Republicans out-register Democrats by a margin of about 21 percent. Not to mention, an area where McCarthy has never lost a congressional election…

…Wood says she wants to be involved in legislation addressing education and labor, specifically mentioning she supports President Biden’s infrastructure bills and the farmers modernization act, which she says ensure the agriculture industry can have a sustainable workforce.

“The folks here, they don’t need a handout,” she said. “The folks here in California 20, they just need a hand. A hand in those kitchen table issues that matter most to them.”

Among those issues, Wood cites the rising prices of groceries, housing, healthcare and gas prices as some she wants most to tackle. Wood ran through a list of people in the district: single parents, veterans, the working class, seniors, women, people of color, LGBTQ community.

For them, she says she has one message: “I will be your voice,” Wood said…

May 14: Bakersfield.com posted an article titled: “McCarthy’s challengers in new 20th District share goal of replacing him” From the article:

Leave it to politicians: The only consensus among all four underdogs in the race for California’s new 20th Congressional District is that they all see themselves, individually, as the best alternative to eight-term incumbent Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.

Most everything else in their platforms differs from one to the next, ranging from a tax-focused pitch to a mainstream Democratic agenda. The question is, which message has enough voter appeal to place second in the June 7 primary election, and thereby qualify for November’s inevitable runoff?

There would seem to be little risk for McCarthy, even as he recently faced a series of crises in Washington D.C. related to his communications with former President Donald Trump about the Jan. 6 2020, Capitol riot. No candidate in the primary approaches his profile, support and name recognition.

McCarthy’s chances of qualifying for the November runoff – and potentially going on to become second in line to the presidency, if the GOP retakes control of the House – are even better after a redistricting process that extended the former 23rd District northwest to the Millerton area in Madera County and left the new 20th with a significantly higher ratio of Republicans to Democrats…

…One of his challengers has the benefit of high-profile endorsements by the state Democratic Party and major labor unions. The other three have their own reasons for running against McCarthy, and endorsements or not, they present unique arguments for why they deserve to take office.

Bakersfield Democrat Marisa Wood grew up in Danville and has taught for 25 years, all but four of them at the Fairfax School District. She has the support of her party and the state’s unions.

She said she would give voice to forgotten or ignored constituents, including those in working middle class, veterans, single parents, the poor, people of color, the LGBTQ community, seniors and public servants of every stripe.

With a team of consultants, most of them in Washington, she said she hopes to defeat McCarthy by pushing out voter registration and spending time in the community, as well as phone banking, a postcard campaign and the help of local Democrats.

“Those are going to be my warriors who are going to be doing canvassing with me,” Wood said.

…Tehachapi ag meteorologist Ben Dewell, a director on the Stallion Springs Community Service board since 2018, is running for office for the first time against an opponent. He said he considered himself a strong candidate because of his independence and willingness to compromise in order to make progress.

Dewell said McCarthy hasn’t done enough for his constituents, though is primary motivation for running was his disappointment with the congressman’s actions related to the Capitol riot.

“His support of a known insurrectionist and his groveling at the feet of that insurrectionist provoke me into no other action,” Dewell said.

Another of McCarthy’s challengers, James “The Deviant” Davis, has returned after running unsuccessfully against the House minority leader in 2016.

After growing up in South Carolina, Davis moved to Bakersfield and became a title researcher and archivist. Also a sound and systems engineer, and a skeptic of COVID-19 vaccines, he said he worries about inflation and the economy.

“You want recession, vote for Kevin McCarthy,” he said.

James “Jim” Macauley is a retired accountant from Northern California who said he’s move to the 20th District from the Sacramento area if he wins the election. He said he hopes to finish second in the primary so he can “continue the conversation” about his proposal to fix the nation by privatizing Social Security and Medicare while taxing only incomes greater than $120,000 per year.

He also wants stricter term limits, though his primary message is that changing the way the government collects money will close the wealth gap.

“I’m running because that message needs to get out,” he said.

McCarthy’s campaign did not respond to a request for an interview but it did provide written information and comments The Californian requested by email…

…McCarthy said he will ensure neighborhoods are safe and stand up for law enforcement, strengthening the military and halting deficit spending he said have run up inflation. He said he continues to push for manufacturing and production in critical industries like oil and gas, while working to improve U.S. economic independence, promoting investment in water infrastructure and bringing attention and resources to valley fever.

June 7: Bakersfield.com posted an article titled: “McCarthy, Wood well ahead of third place in 20th District contest” From the article:

Republican incumbent Kevin McCarthy and Democratic challenger Marisa Wood, in early voting results Tuesday, were comfortably head of three other candidates running for California’s 20th Congressional seat.

With 44,828 votes counted as of about 10:15 p.m., House minority leader McCarthy led with 53.3 percent of the vote, as compared with Wood’s 29.2 percent. Tehachapi ag Ben Dewell was running third at that time with 8.9 percent.

Under state election rules, the top two finishers will advance to the general election.

McCarthy is an eight-term congressman who switched over to the 20th District because of a redistricting process that changed his former 23rd District. If he prevails, and if Republicans win back control of the House of Representatives, McCarthy is a leading contender for Speaker of the House.

He declared victory at 9:20 p.m.

“I want to thank the voters of the new 20th District for their support in our shared vision to make the Central Valley more prosperous, safer, and affordable for our families and communities,” he said in a news release.

Wood, a Danville native and Bakersfield resident who has taught for 25 years, mostly in the Fairfax School District, has the support of her party and the state’s unions.

She said Tuesday evening she was excited, inspired, and encouraged, looking forward to “setting the stage for a historic victory.”

“I’m focused on my opponent, which will be Kevin, and the fact that integrity matters and this community will always be my No. 1 priority,” Wood added…

Ballotpedia posted the results for the Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 20:

  • Kevin McCarthy (R): 58.7% – 45,191 votes
  • Marisa Wood (D): 25.1% – 19,399 votes
  • Ben Dewell (D): 7.3% – 5,609 votes
  • James Davis (R): 4.9% – 3,737 votes
  • James Macauley (R): 4.0% – 3,115 votes

June 13: KLTA5 posted an article titled: “McCarthy, Wood move on to California’s 20th Congressional District general election” From the article:

The Associated Press is projecting incumbent Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R) will move forward to California’s 20th Congressional District and face Democratic challenger Marisa Wood.

The Associated Press called the second spot for Wood on Friday.

McCarthy currently holds the seat for California’s 23rd Congressional district and is running in the new 20th Congressional district. He was born in Bakersfield, Calif.,and graduated from California State University, Bakersfield.

Only an hour and 20 minutes after the polls closed Tuesday night, McCarthy declared his victory. He sent out a statement via email.

That statement read:

“I want to thank the voters of the new 20th District for their support in our shared vision to make the Central Valley more prosperous, safer, and affordable for our families and communities. I also want to personally thank my family, staff and volunteers for their tireless work and commitment. It is my greatest honor to represent you in Congress, and I will continue to fight to stop the rising cost of inflation in our stores and at the pump, keep our neighborhoods safe, and bring more water to our farms and communities.”

Wood is a teacher at Fairfax Junior High School. According to her campaign website, Wood was born in Danville, Calif., and has been in Kern County for 35 years. She attended California Polytechnic State University…

July 24: Los Angeles Times (via Yahoo! News) posted an article titled: “As Kevin McCarthy’s California district gets redder, discontent brews on his right” From the article:

In Washington, Kevin McCarthy is the ultimate party-line Republican, one of former President Trump’s most loyal congressional foot soldiers and leading the charge in the GOP’s quest to regain control of the House in November.

But back in his district, Cora Shipley is skeptical.

“I do not believe that he is a true conservative,” said Shipley, 78, owner of an ice cream shop in Clovis, which was drawn last year into the new 20th Congressional District, where McCarthy is seeking reelection.

Shipley’s shop is a staple of Old Town Clovis, where American flags line antique stores and country music plays over a loudspeaker. She said she is waiting to see how McCarthy will lead the GOP should he become House Speaker next year.

“He’s been on both sides of a lot of issues,” she said from a table in the back of the shop, with photos of Elvis on the walls and a “thin blue line” flag hanging outside.

McCarthy is tasked with introducing himself to more than 200,000 new voters in a district where the GOP’s registration advantage has grown to almost 20 percentage points, the largest in the state. But even in an area that red, McCarthy faces mistrust from voters on his right flank – including some who have supported him in the past.

“When you hear people talk about the swamp, he’s part of that system,” said Eric Rollins, 57, of Clovis. “He’s a long-term politician.”…

…Only two hours north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is the gateway to the red island that some Californians view as flyover country. Here, agriculture and oil dominate the culture and, in turn, the conservative politics. It’s a region that is “more west Texas than Texas,” said Mark Arax, a journalist who has written extensively about it for The Times and others.

McCarthy, 57, is generally popular in Bakersfield, thanks in part to his deep roots in the city: He ran a small sandwich shop after graduating from the public high school, and his father was assistant fire chief. Supporters say McCarthy has a strong conservative record in Congress, and many are excited about the possibility of one of Kern County’s own serving as speaker.

“I don’t know one issue that Kevin McCarthy has voted on in Congress that a conservative wouldn’t respect,” said Cathy Abernathy, 71, a Kern County Republican consultant. When she was chief of staff GOP then-Rep. Bill Thomas, she hired McCarthy as an aide…

…Others in the area back him based on his good reputation. He’s known as “a first-name-basis kind of guy,” said Jan Scurlock, a 70-year-old former financial consultant who moved here four years ago. She plans to vote for McCarthy in November.

But the low level of trust conservatives have in institutions and government is palpable in the district – and its manifestation isn’t always friendly to McCarthy, who has served in Congress since 2006…

“I think he’s kind of a marshmallow,” said Scott Cross, 65, a music instructor. “I used to like him a whole lot. But he’ll back this, and then when its unpopular to back this, he’ll back that. And when it’s unpopular to back that, he’ll back this.”…

…Dale Pitstick, 60, a lifelong Republican whom Trump turned into an independent, winced when asked whether he’d voted for McCarthy in the past. “An error,” he said.

In Bakersfield, “people are still entrenched in Trump world,” said Pitstick, who works for an insurance company.

To him, McCarthy’s continued embrace of Trump after the Jan. 6 attack “uncovered who Kevin McCarthy really was.”

“He’s a power-hungry individual who’s out for himself,” Pitstick said, “not for the citizens”…

Ballotpedia posted the results of the General election for U.S. House California District 20:

  • Kevin McCarthy (R): 67.6% – 68,562 votes
  • Marisa Wood (D): 32.4% – 32,809 votes
    Total votes: 101,371