While the final numbers likely won’t be in for another couple of weeks, voters in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties will be deciding between incumbent Congressman Josh Harder and challenger Ted Howze in November.
In the race for the 10th Congressional District seat, San Joaquin voters awarded roughly 41 percent of the vote to Harder, while Howze was second in the crowded field with 30 percent. Bob Elliott was third in the San Joaquin voting with about 17 percent of the votes cast. Also seeking the nomination were Marla Sousa Livengood, Mike Barkley and Ryan Blevins.
As of the March 6 count in Stanislaus County – the Congressional District includes portions of both San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties – the incumbent Democrat Harder polled just under 40 percent while Republican Howze was at 37.5 percent.
“It’s my honor to once again earn the support of my friends and neighbors here in the Valley,” Harder said in a statement. “I will continue fighting for the Valley by lowering health care costs, protecting our water and bringing good-paying jobs to the Valley.”
In a statement of his own, former Turlock City Councilman Howze thanked Republican, Independent and Democrat voters he said supported him throughout his campaign.
“Our top-two finish was a team effort, with countless people tired of the special interest-dominated politics in Congress coming together and waging a positive campaign,” Howze said. “…I want to thank everyone who has supported me to this point, your effort and hard work has been inspiring, but this is just the first step. Moving forward to November, we welcome everyone who wants to see positive change and are ready to give the D.C. political class a swift kick in the ... well, you know.”
Meanwhile, Livengood shared her thoughts on the election on her social media page.
“Thank you for your support during the campaign. I am proud of our focus on returning our values of strong faith in God, family devotion and hard work back to Washington,” Livengood said. “While the election didn’t go our way, I am grateful to everyone who supported me this past year. Thank you.”
The canvass of remaining ballots by the County Elections office will continue until complete, and California law requires certification of the election to be on or before April 2.
