Josh Harder

Josh Harder grew up delivering the Turlock Journal, with family roots in a Manteca peach farm established in the 1870s.¹ Both of his grandfathers served in World War II.¹ At Stanford, he joined a Washington service learning trip organized by Pam, who later became his wife.² The two bonded over public policy and economic development.²

Harder studied economics and political science at Stanford and completed Harvard's joint graduate program in business and public policy.² His earlier work included serving as a vice president at Bessemer Venture Partners in San Francisco and teaching at Modesto Junior College.² He was elected to Congress in 2018.²

His legislative record includes sponsoring the measure that expanded the federal nutria control program to California, which became law in 2020.³⁴ More recently, he has sought federal equipment funding for the University of the Pacific's planned medical school in Stockton.⁵

Harder faces Republican coach John McBride in November's race for California's 9th District.⁶ In his October interview, Harder identified lowering costs as his top priority, including building more homes, ending the trade war and the war with Iran, and curbing PG&E rate increases.⁷ He also opposes the Delta Conveyance Project and emphasizes protecting the region's water supply.⁷