Meet The Candidates: North State Congressional Races

June 5th is California's primary election and challengers across California's 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd congressional districts have emerged to try to take the place of those already sitting in seats at the U.S. House of Representatives. 

The NSPR News Team reached out to all of the region's congressional challengers and incumbents to ask their opinions on a variety of issues. Listen to the full interviews by district.   

Credit California Citizens Redistricting Commission

(*Doug LaMalfa was contacted by NSPR, but not able to participate in an interview due to scheduling conflicts.)

Gregory Cheadle

Audrey Denney

Lewis Elbinger 

  Jessica Holcombe

  David Peterson

Marty Walters

Credit California Citizens Redistricting Commission

Andy Caffrey 

Jared Huffman (Incumbent) 

Dale Mensing 

Credit California Citizens Redistricting Commission

John Garamendi (Incumbent) 

Kevin Puett

Charlie Schaupp 

Questions

1. (*Challengers) Obviously, you’re seeking office because you feel the North State can be better represented. Can you explain three key policy areas where you think you would be more in step with local voters than the current incumbent?

1. (*Incumbents) Obviously, your challengers are seeking office because they feel the North State can be better represented. Can you explain three key policy areas where you think you’re more in step with local voters than those running against you?

2. Illegal immigration and cannabis seem to have joined abortion and firearms as wedge issues in a supposed culture war across the nation. Where do you stand on each of these issues, and how much latitude should states have to set their own rules?

3. The North State differs from the rest of California in many ways. What is the most critical challenge that the North State faces and how would you help address this challenge?

4. Our region is the source of much of the state’s water supply. Do you think there is anything wrong with the current system, and what is your stance on current water infrastructure proposals -- such as raising the height of Shasta Dam and building Sites Reservoir and the Delta bypass tunnels?

5. Homelessness has become an entrenched problem for most communities, but remedies are elusive. What effective measures might be taken at the federal level to end homelessness?

6. Congress is entrusted with the power of the purse -- budgeting and spending public money. What policy areas and programs do you think deserve more money, and what would be the source of that money?