Jim Costa faces repeat challenger. Here is The Bee Editorial Board’s endorsement | Opinion

Only 44 colleagues have served longer in the House of Representatives than Fresno Democrat Jim Costa, who first took office in 2005 representing districts in the heart of the nation’s richest farming land.

Costa, 72, is asking voters in the 21st Congressional District to return him to Washington, D.C. so that he can focus on water, education, housing and “protecting Valley agriculture” as his priorities.

Those are important issues for residents in the district, which includes most of Fresno County and portions of Tulare County. The crops grown in those areas help make the two counties among the top nationally when it comes to agricultural production.

Sadly, farm wealth has failed to generate human wealth. Many district residents — like those of neighboring districts — are burdened by poverty, low educational attainment, poor drinking water and lack of economic opportunities.

In the November general election, The Bee Editorial Board recommends Costa as the best person who can address the issues in the 21st District.

Costa is facing Republican Michael Maher, an aviation company owner and former FBI agent. The two faced each other two years ago, with Costa coasting to a 54% to 46% victory.

The district, which is 75.3% Hispanic, includes most of Fresno and Visalia, and the rural cities of Sanger, Reedley, Parlier, Orange Cove, Selma, Dinuba, Exeter, Farmersville, Kingsburg and Woodlake.

Costa’s track record

In two decades in Congress, Costa has avoided the partisan snipping that has recently paralyzed the House from passing meaningful legislation.

Costa, who previously served in the California Assembly (1978-94) and state Senate (1994-2002), has a track record of delivering for the San Joaquin Valley. His expertise on the complications of water for farming, residential and environmental uses is much needed with the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, an expert in her own right who worked with farmers and environmentalists on water issues.

“Water is the lifeblood of our Valley. Without water there are no jobs and no economic opportunity. Fighting to increase our water supply is my top priority and we are making progress,” Costa states on his campaign website.

Costa serves on the House Agriculture Committee, so that makes him a key defender of Valley farming interests. He convinced the feds to boost water allocations to Valley farmers the last two years, and has introduced a bill to restore the Friant-Kern Canal, the Delta Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct to full capacity. His proposal includes funds to restore the salmon runs on the San Joaquín River.

Costa’s accomplishments

Among Costa’s successes:

▪ Supported the bipartisan, $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to speed up the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

▪ Supported the Inflation Reduction Act, a 10-year plan to lower prescription drug prices, invest in domestic energy production, and promote clean energy. The legislation did not get a single Republican vote in the Senate or House.

▪ Pushed for broadband access to allow low-income residents to access telemedicine, telelearning and other internet services that are a must in today’s connected world.

They “are among the things that I’m doing to improve the quality of the lives of the people of our Valley,” Costa told The Bee. “It’s quite an effort that I’ve been engaged in for many years. Big things are just hard to do.”

Costa recently touted $137.8 million he helped secure for the city of Fresno to convert motels into housing for 3,000 people who were homeless. He also landed $28.5 million for a new terminal at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Through June, Costa had raised $1.27 million for his campaign, according to his filings with the Federal Election Commission. Of that, $800,000 was from political action committees and over $400,000 from individuals.

Maher’s platform

Maher has held no elective office. In his campaign website, he identifies his top goals as stopping inflation and price increases; present “new ideas” for fresh growth and opportunities; and fighting crime. However, he lists no concrete proposals toward accomplishing those goals.

As a challenger, it is logical that Maher’s bulk of contributions come from individuals — $432,600 — and not political action committees, which have given $42,500. Altogether, he raised $495,600 through June, the most recent reporting date.

Maher has not made a convincing case for replacing Costa in Congress. Rather, the incumbent has done many things right for the San Joaquin Valley. Costa deserves another two years in Congress; his concerns align more closely with the needs of residents of the 21st District.

The Bee Editorial Board recommends Costa as the best candidate for the 21st District.