Tuesday, Jan. 18 Representative Josh Harder announced he will run for reelection in California’s 9th congressional district, which encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, including Tracy, Manteca, Ripon, and Escalon, which he currently represents in Congress. Representative Jerry McNerney, who has represented the area in Congress since 2007, announced he will not seek reelection.

“It has been an honor to have Representative Jerry McNerney as a mentor and a friend. From delivering our veterans a VA clinic in French Camp to expanding broadband and helping close the digital divide, Rep. McNerney made our entire state proud. Jerry, thank you for your incredible service to our community,” said Rep. Harder. “Today, I’m humbled to share I will be running for reelection in CA-9 which encompasses parts of mine and Jerry’s districts. More than 150 years ago, my great-great-grandpa joined a wagon train to California and settled in Manteca to start a peach farm and raise his family. With Pam and my first child on the way, I’m excited to grow my own family and continue my public service in the same community he settled in all those years ago.”

Congressman Jerry McNerney issued the following statement on Jan. 18 regarding his decision.

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek reelection in California’s newly created 9th Congressional District. I am honored that the citizens of California’s 9th Congressional District chose me as their representative in the past five elections, and that those in California’s previous 11th Congressional District gave me the privilege of representing them for three terms.”

McNerney added: “I am very proud of the many accomplishments that my staff and I have achieved in Congress, including the creation of a major veteran’s health center facility in San Joaquin County, providing outstanding help for constituents with federal agencies, and securing major investments in infrastructure and public safety, broadband, education, childcare, and health care access. I have always fought tirelessly for those in need, and I will continue to do so.”

The outgoing Congressman said he was “grateful for the love and support” of his family, noting they have stayed by his side throughout the journey.

“I could not have done this without them,” McNerney said of his family. “I will keep working for the people of my district throughout the remainder of my term and look forward to new opportunities to continue to serve.”