(KMJ) Incumbent Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford) has a new challenger for his seat on Capitol Hill.
Democrat Emilio Huerta, a lawyer from Bakersfield, has pulled papers to run for the 21st Congressional District.
Huerta is the son of UFW Co-founder Dolores Huerta where he began his professional career as a negotiator.
Now, only days into his campaign, Huerta is under fire for comments he made in a recent interview – citing ethnicity as the key factor in his first congressional campaign.
Talking with KGET TV in Bakersfield on Dec. 9, Huerta said, “Looking at the demographic makeup of the district, I think that it’s important that a democrat run for that district. I think it’s important that a Latino run for that district. I think a Latino would better serve as a representative for that district.”
State Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) seemed taken aback by the quote when asked about it Wednesday on KMJ’s Ray Appleton Show. “It is the pandering to a whole group of people. I think this is the entitlement mentality that the democrats have.” Patterson said. “What it basically suggests is that ethnicity and skin color is a test. That’s not American,” Patterson went on to say.
Democrats hold a large voter registration lead in the district but have failed to oust Valadao in the past two elections.
Emilio HuertaThe 21st District covers parts of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. Huerta has served as general counsel and corporate secretary of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and as executive vice president of Housing and Community Economic Development.
Fowler Councilman Daniel Parra is also running for the seat but has failed to gain much traction.
