In Lead-up to Tuesday's Primary Candidates Grant, Barash Tout Endorsements in Race For 7th Congressional District

Andrew Grant (left) and Dr. Yona Barash highlight endorsements in the fight to advance to the November
general election for California's 7th congressional district. 

June 1, 2018 |

In the final days before primary voting concludes, Republican challengers for California's 7th Congressional District have been rolling out endorsements in hopes of snagging enough votes to be on of two top finishers advancing to the November general election.

The two Republicans, Dr. Yona Barash and Andrew Grant are two of four challengers against Democratic incumbent Dr. Ami Bera. While Bera is expected to secure first place, Barash and Grant are fighting for the second position.

Among endorsements announced this week by Grant was from Combat Veterans For Congress. Grant, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served in the Marines as an officer and did tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

In their endorsement, CVFC said Grant "is a fiscally conservative candidate who will work to rein in the out of control spending by irresponsible members of Congress, reduce the national debt, and will work toward unleashing the private sector to create jobs, and stimulate private sector business investment. He believes in an efficient government that serves the people and upholds the highest standards of integrity and transparency."


Based in San Diego, CVFC also operates a political action committee that has raised and distributed funds. According to the website OpenSecrets.org, during the 2018 election cycle, they have raised $14,060, distributed $23,790, and have $18,886 on hand.

Barash's campaign received a major endorsement this week when it was announced that Peace Officers Research Assoc. of CA - the largest statewide public safety association representing 70,000 rank-and-file peace officers. Additionally, Barash has been endorsed by the Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA).

I am honored to be the choice of law enforcement in this election. Last week I was #endorsed by @PORACalifornia. PORAC is the largest law enforcement organization in CA & the largest statewide association in the nation, with over 70,000 public safety members & 930 associations. pic.twitter.com/uW11He92MF

— Dr. Yona Barash (@DrYonaBarash) May 29, 2018

In their endorsement, the SPOA said of Barash "we know he will be a strong advocate for national policies that will help us keep our local communities safe. Dr. Barash has made it clear to us that he shares our values and goals." 

Support from law enforcement has been an integral part of Barash's campaign since his entry into the race. Barash made his official candidacy last September on former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness' radio talk program.  

Although the 7th district has been considered one of the nation's most competitive congressional contests in the last three cycles with Bera beating his opponents by razor-thin margins, political conditions might make the situation a bit easier for the three-term incumbent. Historically, the party in the Whitehouse suffers losses in both houses of Congress and given Trump's historically low approval ratings, this trend is expected to continue. 

While the Cook Political Report includes the 7th district in their watch of competitive house races, it is rated as likely Democratic, the strongest rating available in such contests. The other ratings for competitive races include lean and toss-up.   

As noted, the top two finishers in the primary will advance to the November general election.