Democratic Candidate in the Spotlight: Josh Harder of California‘s 10th District

Today, I’d like to give you a bit of a closer look at Joshua Harder, the Democratic candidate for California’s 10th District. He’s up against Republican incumbent Jeff Denham, who will be seeking his fourth term.

Josh grew up in the district, attending Modesto High School, and he now teaches at the local Modesto Junior College. After graduating Modesto High School, Josh went on to major in political science and economics at Stanford University, where he met the woman he would eventually marry, Pamela Sud. He then spent several years working with Boston Consulting Group, before deciding to leave that job to work organizing small farmers in Uganda and Kenya. He then earned his degree from Harvard Business School before taking on a new job mentoring small businesses with Bessemer Venture Partners.

This is his first time running for public office. Asked why he’s choosing to enter the political world now, he said, “People in my generation, if they don’t raise their hand and step forward…then we deserve what we get…I’m frustrated and tired of standing on the sidelines.” He’s also expressed being motivated by a desire to give back to the community that raised him.

Immigration reform sits near the top of his list of priorities, as he intends to protect DREAMers, many of whom he notes have been students of his at Modesto Junior College, and provide a clearer path to citizenship. He hasn’t been afraid of going after incumbent Denham on the issue, either, branding his potential opponent, “Do-Nothing Denham.”

Denham has taken problematic positions on many key issues. He supports the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, while Harder has been a staunch supporter of expanding affordable healthcare. Denham also opposes legislation on gun control and climate reform, and has expressed a desire to walk back the legalization of same-sex marriage.

As of mid-May, Denham has outraised Harder by a 2:1 margin. However, there is, historically, a reason for hope. Before Denham took office in 2012, the 10th District had a Democratic representative for 24 of the previous 28 years. It is clear that Harder cares about this district, saying, “The way you show your love to a place is making sure you put constituents first.”

To donate to Josh Harder’s campaign, you can get started by rounding up your spare change here with GroundUp, the grassroots fundraising platform helping you to fund Democrats.