Former Mother Lode Congressman Loses Tight Re-Election Bid

Washington, DC — After the race was initially “too close to call,” the Associated Press reports that Republican Congressman Jeff Denham will not be returning to Washington, DC.

Denham was Tuolumne County’s representative in Congress from 2010-2012, but in 2012 redistricting pushed him into a district covering more territory in the central valley around Turlock and Modesto. Congressman Tom McClintock then started representing the Mother Lode.

The AP reports that Democratic challenger Josh Harder’s lead over Denham had grown to 4,919 votes last night, a margin too wide for Denham to make up. Denham was known regionally for his interest and legislation related to water policies and forest health. He and Congressman McClintock helped lead the tour of Don Pedro and New Melones this past summer for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.