Early life, education, and military service

Enlisting at the age of 17, Denham served on active and reserve status for 16 years in the United States Air Force and is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal for his service during Operation Desert Storm (Iraq) and Operation Restore Hope (Somalia). In 2006, he was honored by the California National Guard with its highest military award, the "Order of California" service award, for distinguished service. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Denham went into the agriculture industry.

2000 State Assembly campaign

Main article: California State Assembly election, 2000 § District 28

In 2000, Denham ran for the California State Assembly against Salinas City Councilman Simon Salinas. Salinas, a Democrat, defeated Denham with 52% of the vote. A total of $2.5 million was spent in the race.

California State Senate

Elections

2002

Denham ran for the State Senate in 2002 against former Democratic State Assemblyman Rusty Areias. The election occurred on November 5, 2002, but the close vote count caused the lead in the race to go back and forth for several days.

The race featured a number of negative political advertisements and it was one of the most expensive legislative races in state history with over $6.3 million spent. Denham's campaign highlighted Areias's financial difficulties, including unpaid taxes.

Denham won the race 48%-47%, or by 1,843 votes.

2006

Denham won re-election to a second term with 58% of the vote.

2008 recall attempt

In 2008, a recall effort was instigated against Denham by Democrat Don Perata after Denham declined to cast a deadlock-breaking vote on the state budget. Supporters of the recall turned in over 60,000 signatures, and a recall election was scheduled for June 3, 2008. Denham survived the recall election, with 77% of voters casting ballots to retain him.

2008 Lieutenant Governor and State Assembly campaigns

Denham announced in December 2008 that he would be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California in the 2010 election, ending his campaign when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Republican State Senator Abel Maldonado to fill the vacancy left by former Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi's election to Congress. Denham subsequently campaigned for the State Assembly before being asked by retiring Republican Congressman George Radanovich to run for his open seat in California's 19th congressional district in December 2009.

Tenure

During his time in the state legislature, Denham focused his efforts on education, agriculture and job creation. He called for a reduction in government waste in Sacramento, better use of state surplus assets and a crackdown on sexual predators.

Denham's awards include Legislator of the Year by the California State Sheriffs' Association (2004), Outstanding Legislator by the California State Sheriff's Association (2005), Legislator of the Year by the California Small Business Association (2005), Most Progressive Law Enforcement Leader of the Year by A Woman's Place of Merced (2005), and California Teachers Association Gold Award (2005).

Committee assignments

Denham's committee assignments in the California State Senate included:

• Business, Professions and Economic Development
• Education
• Agriculture
• Veterans Affairs
• Governmental Organization

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2010

In December 2009, seven-term U.S. Congressman George Radanovich announced he would retire due to health reasons. He endorsed Denham as his successor.

In the Republican primary he defeated Fresno mayor Jim Patterson, former U.S. Congressman Richard Pombo, and Fresno City Councilman Larry Westerlund 36%-31%-21%-12%.

In the 2010 general election, Denham defeated Democrat Loraine Goodwin with 65% of the vote.

2012

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2012

After redistricting, Denham decided to run in the newly redrawn California's 10th congressional district. Former NASA astronaut José Hernández ran against him as the Democratic candidate. The 10th is a swing district with a 25% Hispanic voting age population. Denham won with 53% of the vote to Democratic Hernández's 47%.

2014

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2014 § District 10

In 2014, Denham ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Denham was expected to receive media endorsements over his Democratic opponent, Michael Eggman, although his seat was regarded by some as "vulnerable" earlier in the year. The Rothenberg Political Report ultimately listed the race as "Republican Favored." Denham defeated Eggman with 56% of the vote.

2016

Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2016 § District 10

Denham is running for re-election in 2016. Three other candidates, two Democrats and one Republican, are running in the top-two primary on June 7, 2016.

Tenure

In the 114th Congress, Denham voted with his party 92.6% of the time.

In July 2012, he criticized an event put on by the General Services Administration, which cost $268,732. He said that he believes the controversy goes even further than the GSA.

In October 2013, Denham co-sponsored the comprehensive immigration reform bill introduced by House Democrats. In announcing his support for the bill, he stated: "We can’t afford any more delays. I support an earned path to citizenship to allow those who want to become citizens to demonstrate a commitment to our country, learn English, pay fines and back taxes and pass background checks."

Denham has argued that the national deficit is the biggest issue, which he called a threat to the nation's freedom. He has stressed his desire to use the economic downturn to reassess and find different ways to drive the United States forward.

In August 2014, Denham broke ranks with the Republican Party and voted against a bill that would have dismantled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Committee assignments

• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
  • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
• Veterans' Affairs Committee
  • Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
  • Subcommittee on Health
• Agriculture Committee
  • Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit

Personal life

He owns and operates Denham Plastics, a supplier of reusable containers in the agriculture industry. He and his family also farm almonds at their ranch in Merced County.

Denham and his wife Sonia have two children.

Electoral history

California Assembly District 28

Year		Republican	Votes	Pct		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2000		Jeff Denham	54,729	44%		Simon Salinas	66,011	53%		JJ Vogel	Reform	2,891	2%		Roger Ver	Libertarian	2,134	2%

California Senate District 12

Year		Republican	Votes	Pct		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2002		Jeff Denham	73,877	48%		Rusty Areias	72,034	47%		David Eaton	Libertarian	6,950	5%
2006		Jeff Denham	90,288	58%		Wiley Nickel	65,130	42%

California Congressional District 19 (2010) and 10 (2012-)

Year		Republican	Votes	Pct		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Third Party	Party	Votes	Pct
2010		Jeff Denham	128,394	65%		Loraine Goodwin	69,912	35%		Les Marsden	Independent	596	0%
2012		Jeff Denham	110,265	53%		José Hernández	98,934	47%

[ Source: Wikipedia ]