Grant, Barash Line up Republican Endorsements in Highly Competitive 7th Congressional Race

November 2, 2017 | 

With almost exactly one year until the general election, two Republicans hoping to qualify for the race for California's 7th Congressional District have been busy lining up endorsements. Andrew Grant and Dr. Yona Barash have been diligently rounding up support as they face two other Democratic candidates in next year's primary.

Grant, the first candidate to announce his challenge to Democratic incumbent Dr. Ami Bera (D - Elk Grove) announced another endorsement this week. That endorsement came from Citrus Heights Mayor Jeff Slowley.

"I am proud to endorse Andrew for Congress, representing Citrus Heights,” Slowey said.  “Without a doubt, Andrew's experience as a Marine, small business owner, and advocate for economic growth is the kind of person that we need to represent us in Congress."

In addition to Slowey, Grant has been endorsed by other Republican officeholders including California State Senator Ted Gaines, and Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, who unsuccessfully challenged Bera in 2016.

While Grant has more endorsements to date from area Republicans, Barash has announced one that could be of great benefit in terms of audience reach. That support is from former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness. 

Retired as sheriff in 2010, McGinness now hosts an afternoon radio talk show on Sacramento's KFBK. Popular with conservative listeners, it was on McGinness' show that Barash announced his candidacy.

It is an honor to have the #Endorsement of @kfbk radio personality and former @sacsheriff John McGinness! #CA07 pic.twitter.com/ngnLwBpaAk

— Dr. Yona Barash (@DrYonaBarash) October 31, 2017

“Yona Barash has a unique story that will inspire and excite voters in the 7th Congressional District and that is why I’m endorsing him,” McGinness said.

Along with Republicans Barash and Grant, Bera is also being challenged by fellow Democrat Brad Westmoreland. Under California law, the top two finishers in the primary, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the 2018 November general election.  

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