Barash Endorsed by McClintock in Primary Race For 7th California Congress District

March 21, 2018 |  

In the competition for Republican endorsements in the race for California's 7th Congressional district, Dr. Yona Barash he received the nod of a seated Republican Congressman.

Barash, who is one of two Republicans challenging Dr. Ami Bera (D - Elk Grove) in the June primary announced today that Congressman Tom McClintock (R -Republican) endorsed his candidacy. McClintock represents the adjacent 4th district.

“Dr. Yona Barash believes in individual liberty and limited government and has a compelling personal story to tell, having lived in a refugee camp in Israel after his family escaped the communist dictatorship in Romania,” McClintock said in the endorsement statement. “He has one of the most unique stories I’ve ever heard from a candidate for Congress, and he is exactly the type of candidate the Republican Party needs in this election.” 

Barash, along with fellow Republican Andrew Grant is challenging Bera, who is in his third term, in the primary. In California's primary system the top two finishers regardless of party affiliation advance to the November general election.

Along with McClintock's endorsement, shortly after entering the race last Autumn Barash received the support of former Sacramento County Sheriff and current radio talk show host John McGinness, and noted criminal defense attorney Linda Parisi. Barash announced his candidacy on McGinness' program. 

Bera is seeking his fourth term in what is considered a competitive district. In each of his three electoral victories over former incumbent Dan Lungren, former Congressman Doug Ose, and most recently against Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, Bera won by narrow margins.  

The Cook Political Report currently rates the race for the 7th district as competitive, but likely Democratic. In the past, the contests for the district have been rated as a toss-up.