Josh Harder knows his job is to fight for every day families. Josh first ran for office to stand up to politicians threatening to take his brother's healthcare away. Now, Josh proudly represents California's 9th Congressional District, covering San Joaquin County as well as parts of Stanislaus and Contra Costa counties.
Josh's family has been in San Joaquin County for five generations, since his great-great grandfather joined a wagon train in search of gold and stopped just short to start a peach farm in Manteca. Josh grew up in our community, seeing how working people are constantly left behind by politicians in Washington and Sacramento. Now, he's fighting to finally make our voices heard by working to lower the cost of gas and housing, making our community safer, and protecting our water. This is personal for Josh - he wants his daughter Lillian to grow up in our community feeling safe and getting a world-class education.
Josh serves as a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee which controls the federal budget. He is the first Democratic member of Congress from the Central Valley to serve on the committee in almost 50 years and uses his role to advocate for more federal funding for water infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, veterans, and other local priorities.
Josh started his career in the private sector where he focused on creating jobs and growing businesses. After receiving a public policy and business degree, he taught business at a local junior college before entering public service.
Josh lives in Tracy with his wife Pam and their daughter, Lillian.