Everything you need to know about who is running for Congress in four Valley districts

It’s that time again – to choose who we want to represent our communities in the U.S. House of Representatives.

These are big roles: deciding how to spend billions of public money, making new laws, and advocating for resources and policies that will improve where we live. Everything from affordable housing to health care to school loans and immigration is at stake.

What’s at stake?

New boundaries create new opportunities to shake things up for Congressional representatives covering the central San Joaquin Valley.

Every election is critical. But this year, in addition to inflation, a looming recession, plus ongoing drought and wildfire concerns, Congress will likely play a role in addressing future concerns about election integrity and the future of our democracy.

What does a Congressperson do?

A Congressperson is one of 435 people elected by their various communities to serve in the U.S. Congress, the “lower house” of the legislature – meaning, they have less power than the U.S. Senate.

Representing your community in Congress is a full-time job. Legislators are paid $174,000 per year as a base salary. They serve two-year terms, and can be re-elected as many times as the voters would like.

Congresspeople write new laws, help their constituents navigate federal bureaucracy, advocate for money for local projects of importance, and, if they serve on special committees, hold oversight hearings to regulate industry and federal programs. They also intervene in finding solutions in local problems when federal agencies or resources are involved.

Who is running for Congress to represent Fresno and Madera counties?

There are four congressional districts that include parts of Fresno and/or Madera counties. Each district includes around 760,000 people.

Think you know your congressional representative? Thanks to redistricting, you might want to check again, as the boundaries have changed dramatically this year.