A couple days after the new Congressional maps were finalized, Congressman Josh Harder has revealed which district he will run for reelection in.
Harder (D–Turlock) announced Wednesday that he will seek reelection for the new 13th Congressional district, which includes parts of Turlock and Modesto that he is currently representing.
The new district also adds Merced, Madera and west Fresno County.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve my hometown in Congress. Today, with Pam and our first child on the way, I’m proud to share that I will run for reelection in California’s new 13th congressional district which includes my hometown of Turlock,” Harder said in a statement.
“I’m excited to continue serving so many of the communities in my current district. At the same time, I’m disappointed that due to redistricting I will no longer have the privilege of representing some of our communities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties, including many of our neighbors in Modesto.
“Know that my team and I will keep working around the clock for the families in the 10th district through the end of my term. I truly believe the Central Valley is the greatest place in the world to live and raise a family, and I’m excited to get to work for everyone in the new 13th district.”
Harder first won his seat in 2018 when he defeated incumbent Republican Jeff Denham by about five points.
He won reelection in 2020 over Republican Ted Howze by over 10 points.
The new district 13 figures to provide an easier path to reelection for Harder based on voter registration.
As one of the Valley’s majority Latino citizen voting age population districts – protected by the Voting Rights Act – Democrats have a 13.49 percent edge over Republicans.
While Democrats make up 42.46 percent of the district, Republicans come in at 28.97 percent.
President Joe Biden also claimed victory over Donald Trump in 2020 by 11.16 from voters in the new district.
Harder’s announcement comes after Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) quelled any speculation that he would run for the new 13th district by revealing on Tuesday that he will compete for the new 21st district based in Fresno and Tulare Counties.
