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California's 16th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 top-two primary)
- Primary date: March 3
- Primary type: Top-two
- Registration deadline(s): Feb. 18
- Online registration: Yes
- Same-day registration: Yes
- Early voting starts: Varies locally
- Absentee/mail voting deadline(s): March 3 (postmarked); March 6 (received)
- Voter ID: No ID
- Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Incumbent Jim Costa (D) and Kevin Cookingham (R) were the top two finishers from among the four candidates that ran in the March 3, 2020, top-two primary for California's 16th Congressional District. The only other candidate with more than 10% of the vote was Esmeralda Soria (D). Costa and Cookingham ran in the district's general election on November 3, 2020.
Three Democratic candidates ran in the primary: Costa, Soria, and Kim Williams. Cookingham was the only Republican who ran for the seat. Heading into 2020, one Democrat and one Republican had advanced from the district's primary in each congressional election since California's top-two primary system went into effect in 2011.
On the Democratic side, Costa, who was first elected to the House in 2004, received endorsements from U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), and organizations including the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the California School Employees Association. Soria was endorsed by former California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (D), civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, the California Labor Federation, SEIU California, and the California League of Conservation Voters. Williams received endorsements from former Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson and organizations including Brand New Congress and Our Revolution. On the Republican side, Cookingham was endorsed by California state Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R), the California Republican Party, and multiple local Republican committees. To view a full list of endorsements, click here.
In the 2018 general election, Costa defeated Elizabeth Heng (R) 58% to 43%. Major race rating outlets rated the general election as Solid Democratic or Safe Democratic. The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+9, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 9 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. Click here to learn more about what's at stake in the general election.
Click on candidate names below to view their key messages:
 Costa |
 Soria |
 Williams |
 Cookingham |
For more information about the general election, click here.
Candidates and election results
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 16
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jim Costa (D) | 37.5 | 41,228 |
| ✔ |  | Kevin Cookingham (R)  | 35.2 | 38,652 |
 | Esmeralda Soria (D) | 21.4 | 23,484 | |
 | Kim Williams (D) | 5.9 | 6,458 | |
| Total votes: 109,822 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[1] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
U.S. House California District 16 (Assumed office: 2013)
U.S. House California District 20 (2005-2013)
California State Senate (1994-2002)
California State Assembly (1978-1994)
Biography: Costa graduated with a B.A. in political science from California State University, Fresno, in 1974.
Show sources
Sources: Politico, "'She is tired of waiting her turn': Costa stares down liberal challenger," February 12, 2020 The Fresno Bee, "New Costa ad takes aim at challenger Soria, heating up race for congressional seat," February 6, 2020 Facebook, "Jim Costa for Congress on February 14, 2020," accessed February 16, 2020 yourcentralvalley.com, "Congressman Jim Costa ‘very disappointed’ Fresno City Council Member is running for 16th Congressional District," July 12, 2019; Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "About Jim," accessed February 16, 2020 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Costa, Jim (1952-)," accessed February 16, 2020
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 16 in 2020.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
Fresno City Council (Assumed office: 2015)
Biography: Soria graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and received a J.D. from the University of California, Davis. She worked as a policy aide in the California State Capitol, as a project director for the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, as district director to California state Sen. Michael J. Rubio (D), and as a policy advisor to California state Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D). As of her 2020 campaign, Soria was a professor at Fresno City College.
Show sources
Sources: The Intercept, "Trump-friendly California Democrat is facing his first serious primary challenger," December 15, 2019 Politico, "'She is tired of waiting her turn': Costa stares down liberal challenger," February 12, 2020 Twitter, "Esmeralda Soria," accessed February 16, 2020; Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Meet Esme," accessed February 16, 2020
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 16 in 2020.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I didn't come from money, but I grew up at a point in time where you didn't have to. I was able to work hard, pay my way through school, and build my American dream. I want to create the same paths to opportunity for everyone in California's 16th congressional district. I am the only Progressive in my race who supports Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, universal pre-K, debt-free college, and political reform. "
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 16 in 2020.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Raised on his family ranch in Fresno, Kevin Cookingham learned the value of hard work while picking crops, tending to the livestock. He attended Clovis High School and wrestled for the 1974-1976 State Championship teams where he was a three time valley champion and placed twice in state championships. While in High School, Kevin also found his passion to serve others. This sparked his interest in missions work, both at home and abroad.During his tenure with CUSD, Kevin developed an extensive Student Assistance Program supporting student success. Students in this program experienced a ninety-percent increase in grades and attendance. His reputation for success would find him at the helm of both the Clovis Online School and Clovis Adult Education. While Principal, Clovis Online grew from 12 students to 550 students and Clovis Adult doubled its number of academic graduates. Kevin was recognized for his achievements when he was named Clovis Unified School District Administrator of the Year.Kevin served as a Board Member for Hume Lake Christian Camps where he spent five years as the Director of Programs and the Director of Development. With over 45,000 campers each year, Kevin played an integral role in starting and developing the Hume Charter School and expanding the camping ministry on site and throughout the world.Kevin and his wife Kelli have raised their children here in Fresno County and now enjoy sharing this community with their three grandchildren."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House California District 16 in 2020.
Endorsements
This section lists endorsements issued in this election. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.
| Top-two primary endorsements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endorsement |  Costa
|
Soria
|
Williams
|
 Cookingham
| ||
| Newspapers and editorials | ||||||
| The Fresno Bee[2] | ✔ | |||||
| Elected officials | ||||||
| U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D)[3] | ✔ | |||||
| U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D)[4] | ✔ | |||||
| U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D)[5] | ✔ | |||||
| Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)[6] | ✔ | |||||
| Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D)[7] | ✔ | |||||
| State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D)[8] | ✔ | |||||
| State Sen. Anna Caballero (D)[9][10] | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| State Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D)[10] | ✔ | |||||
| State Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R)[11] | ✔ | |||||
| Six mayors (hover over for list) | ✔ | |||||
| Three mayors (hover over for list) | ✔ | |||||
| 42 local officials (hover over for list) | ✔ | |||||
| Individuals | ||||||
| Dolores Huerta[12] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (D)[13] | ✔ | |||||
| Former state Assemblyman Juan Arambula (I)[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Parlier Mayor Armando Lopez[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Fresno City Councilman Dan Ronquillo[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Madera Mayor Margie Medellin[14] | ✔ | |||||
| Former Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson[15] | ✔ | |||||
| Organizations | ||||||
| Planned Parenthood Action Fund[16] | ✔ | |||||
| BOLD PAC[17] | ✔ | |||||
| Equality PAC[18] | ✔ | |||||
| California School Employees Association[19] | ✔ | |||||
| Democratic Women in Action, Fresno County[20] | ✔ | |||||
| Black Women Organized for Political Action, Fresno/San Joaquin Valley chapter[21] | ✔ | |||||
| Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region[22] | ✔ | |||||
| California Labor Federation[23] | ✔ | |||||
| SEIU California[24] | ✔ | |||||
| 20 labor unions (hover over for list) | ✔ | |||||
| Courage California[25] | ✔ | |||||
| California Young Democrats[26] | ✔ | |||||
| California Young Democrats, Fresno County Chapter[27] | ✔ | |||||
| California Latina Democrats - Fresno County[28] | ✔ | |||||
| Central Valley Leadership Roundtable[29] | ✔ | |||||
| Central Valley Progressive PAC[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Madera Democratic Club[10] | ✔ | |||||
| Latinas Lead California[30] | ✔ | |||||
| California League of Conservation Voters[31] | ✔ | |||||
| PowerCA Action[32] | ✔ | |||||
| Brand New Congress[33] | ✔ | |||||
| Progressive Democrats of America[15] | ✔ | |||||
| Democratic Socialists of America, Fresno chapter[34] | ✔ | |||||
| San Joaquin Valley Democratic Club[15] | ✔ | |||||
| Our Revolution[15] | ✔ | |||||
| Blue America[35] | ✔ | |||||
| California Republican Party[36] | ✔ | |||||
| Three Republican committees (hover over for list) | ✔ | |||||
| Right Choices USA[37] | ✔ | |||||
| Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids[38] | ✔ | |||||
Timeline
2020
2019
Campaign themes
- See also: Campaign themes
Jim Costa
Costa’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Issues & Legislation Fighting for Water The San Joaquin Valley needs water to survive. Our Valley’s jobs and way of life are at stake, and it is my top priority to ensure that our farmers, workers, and communities receive the water we need to get our economy going again. We are making progress, and each day is a new opportunity to secure more water and take on the critics of our Valley. This page will provide you with background on the water crisis, along with news and updates on my ongoing efforts to increase the flow of water to our Valley. Producing Results Water is the lifeblood of our Valley. Without water there are no jobs and no economic opportunity. Fighting to increase our water supply is my top priority and we are making progress. Our Valley’s water challenges have taught us a lot about the art of the possible. In pressing this Administration to look for other ways to operate the water projects, we were successful in boosting the water allocation to Valley farmers over the past two years and continue to push for more. I fought hard for better science to be used so that we take a look at all the factors affecting the decline of the Delta, not just the pumps. Our Valley has been winning that fight and now the federal agencies are going back to the drawing board. I also worked with my colleagues in Congress to secure funding for the Valley and expedite water infrastructure projects like the California Aqueduct/Delta Mendota Canal Intertie project, which had been backlogged for more than 25 years. Last Congress, I also introduced H.R. 1251, the More Water for Our Valley Act, which continues my efforts to find commonsense solutions to California’s broken water system. Looking at the Long-Term There is no silver bullet that will solve all of our water problems. Compromise involves working together in a bipartisan fashion to find common ground on solutions for the short-term, interim, and long-term, and we have to work on all of them at the same time. Valley communities require a sustainable water supply now as we work through long-term issues. We need to build new infrastructure that includes major conveyance and storage projects such as the Peripheral Canal/Tunnel, Temperance Flat, and raising Shasta Dam. If we expect to find compromise and stop the ages-old water wars, we need to fix our broken plumbing system, and rebuilding our infrastructure will get us to an even better place than we are today. Our work is far from over, but we are winning this fight and more water is flowing to the Valley. We will continue to fight against regulations that send water to the Pacific Ocean and do not consider the health and welfare of the Valley’s residents and their environment. We will continue to press the Administration and support a legal strategy to get the pumps flowing at maximum capacity. We will also continue to take on our critics and keep working towards long-term solutions to protect our Valley and state’s water supply for generations to come. Improving Education Education is the key to the future success of our children and promoting long-term economic opportunity across the Valley. Providing access to a high quality and affordable education is essential for our children to compete in today’s ever-evolving workforce and to ensure that they can make the kind of living our parents fought to provide our generation. To make good on these goals, our students must have the resources, schools and teachers they need in order to graduate high school prepared for college or their career. A good education begins early on. As a result, I’ve fought to support programs like Head Start and Early Head Start in our Valley. For instance, I’ve worked to secure nearly $14 million for the Head Start program operated by the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission. I also supported $3.3 million to strengthen Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Kings County. I have also fought for additional support to improve Valley schools and universities. During these tough times, many schools faced teacher layoffs and drastic budget cuts. To keep teachers in the classrooms I supported legislation like the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. According to the National Education Association, this bill protected over 900 teaching jobs in our district. No one would have felt the effects of those job losses more than Valley students and families. In addition, I have worked to secure funding for Valley community colleges and universities. This includes funding for West Hills College to create new academic programs in agriculture and water science, and funding for CSU Fresno to recruit and train more students in the field of agriculture education. These programs are double wins for our Valley. Not only do they allow more Valley students to obtain college degrees, but they also train the next generation of leaders to grow our agriculture economy. One of the most important aspects of improving education is making college affordable. As college tuition has skyrocketed over the past years, a degree from a 2-year of 4-year college has become less obtainable for too many Valley students. To make it easier for Valley students to attend college and secure a good-paying job, I helped pass the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 which increased Pell Grants and cut student loan interest rates. In 2010, I helped pass a new law that switched all schools to the more efficient Direct Loan program, saving $61 billion. This new law makes it easier for Valley students to finance their educations and $19 billion of the savings will go towards reducing the federal deficit. Investing in our children's education is central to supporting economic development in our Valley and ensuring that we have an educated workforce that will meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. I will continue working to secure the resources needed to strengthen Valley education and advocate for the greatest standards for our children. Protecting Valley Agriculture As a third generation family farmer, I know first-hand the daily challenges our farmers and ranchers face. Agriculture is our way of life and the viability of our region depends on this industry to create jobs and economic opportunity. This is why I have made protecting and growing Valley agriculture a top priority. Securing a stable supply of water for our farmers and farm communities is central to supporting Valley agriculture. To make sure our farmers have the water they need to put food on America’s dinner table and put people back to work, I have pressed the Administration to increase our water allocations, secured federal funding for Valley water projects, and fought the flawed federal regulations that limit the water flowing to our region. Our work to secure our fair share is far from over, but we have made progress. To learn more about my fight for Valley water, click here. Along with fighting for water, I have worked to ensure that our government recognizes the vital role Valley agriculture plays in our national economy. Our Valley is the leading producer of specialty crops which include tree nuts, fruits, dried fruits, and vegetables. For too long, the Valley did not receive its fair share of federal funds for these kinds of crops. To fix this, I worked with other Valley leaders to secure $1.7 billion for specialty crops in the 2008 Farm Bill. This was a win for our local economy and success we can build on. A critical part of Valley agriculture is our dairy industry. In 2009, dairy farms throughout the Valley and nation experienced one of the worst price crises of the last 40 years. America’s roughly 65,000 dairies lost over $12 billion. Sharp losses forced dairy farmers to lay off workers and, in many cases, shutter their operations. To protect Valley jobs and help the dairy industry get back on track, I introduced the Dairy Price Stabilization Act. My plan would promote market stability and individual dairy farmers’ ability to grow their own business. I have also worked to reduce some of regulatory burdens placed on Valley farmers and ranchers. Part of my work during the 2008 Farm Bill was to secure addition funding through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to help farmers convert equipment to newer engines that meet air quality standards and water funding that helped growers install drip irrigation systems. I also support fully repealing the estate tax and have supported legislation that would exempt family farms and ranches from this burden. I know from personal experience the difficulty of protecting your family farm when a family member passes away. I speak with our Valley’s farmers and ranchers on a daily basis to discuss what we can do to strengthen our agriculture industry. Being in close contact has allowed me to respond quickly to our Valley’s needs. When the European Grapevine Moth was detected in our Valley, I was able to press the USDA to release $2.75 million to help our farmers combat this foreign pest. These funds helped mitigate some of the economic impact it had on our summer harvest. These are only a few examples of my work on behalf of Valley farmers and ranchers. Whether it is fighting for more water, securing additional funding, or advocating for expanding trade opportunities, I will continue to work to help our agriculture economy grow. Addressing California's Housing Needs Homeownership helps to form the foundation of the American Dream, but that dream is under attack. The housing crisis in our country ripped the bottom out of our economy and left millions of Americans with few other options than foreclosure. Few communities in the United States were hit harder when the housing bubble burst than the San Joaquin Valley. Hundreds of thousands of Valley families lost their homes – often a family’s biggest investment – and entire neighborhoods were economically decimated. As your representative in Congress, I will do all that I can to cut through the red tape in Washington and connect you with the right resources to help you stay in your home. You can find more information about how I can help by clicking here. While I will fight as hard as I can to prevent our homes from falling into foreclosure, we need an aggressive and comprehensive national strategy to right the market. For years, both the Bush and Obama administrations have tried and failed to fix the housing crisis. I will continue to push this administration and my colleagues in Congress to take action now. One important step the Congress could take to stem the tide of these devastating foreclosures is to pass the Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity Act (H.R. 363). This legislation would put thousands of dollars in the pockets of millions of families across the country by allowing millions of responsible homeowners to refinance home mortgages at historically low rates. Preventing additional foreclosures would help families rebuild lost savings and wealth and our communities get back on their feet. Strengthening Healthcare What Health Care Reform Means For You FOR THE VALLEY:
FOR SENIORS:
FOR WOMEN:
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:
Energy Sustainability Our Valley is an energy rich region, supplying the state with power from oil, gas, and renewable sources like hydropower, biomass, wind, and solar. This vital sector of our economy is a job creator in our communities and a key player in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. For these reasons, I took the lead on this issue with a bipartisan group of legislators in the 112th Congress in introducing the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act. Unlike the “cap and trade” bill which I opposed and voted against, this bill outlines a practical, responsible energy plan for America that would further develop domestic energy production of traditional oil and gas, provide a funding stream to clean up the environment and fully develop clean energy technologies. In addition, our Valley’s energy economy has been bolstered through the Recovery Act. These funds have gone toward creating good-paying jobs, allowing Valley cities to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions in our cities. Fiscal Responsibility Increasing our water supply and investing in Valley communities are critical to renewing our economy. However, long-term and sustainable growth also relies on getting our nation’s fiscal house in order. Today, the national debt is approaching $20 trillion dollars, which is approximately $61,350 per U.S. citizen, and ensuring a robust 21st century U.S. economy will require Congress to get our fiscal house in order. As a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, I will continue supporting fiscally sustainable policies that will grow our Valley and U.S. economy. Just as no single reason led to the deep deficits now facing our country, there are no silver bullets or quick fixes to getting our country back on track. Putting our fiscal house in order will take hard work and tough decisions. This means reviewing and terminating unnecessary federal programs; ending expensive policies that encourage companies to ship American jobs overseas; and eliminating so much of the fraud, waste, and abuse draining our government’s resources. As Americans, we must be honest about our long-term economic obligations and work together to get the job done. To learn more about some of the measures I have supported to help increase accountability and fiscal responsibility, you can visit the Blue Dog website here. Serving Valley Veterans Our Valley’s veterans hail from all backgrounds and represent what is great about our nation. The debt we owe to these selfless individuals and their families is immeasurable and we must always deliver on the promises made to those who stand up to protect our freedom and values. Every day we have the responsibility to assist our service members and it is my personal mission to help our Valley’s veterans access the benefits they have earned and deserve. Since taking office, I have helped over 1,000 Valley veterans cut through red tape at the Veterans Administration (VA) or other federal agencies to access their health care, social security checks, and even medals. If you or a veteran you know is having difficulty with the VA or federal government, I encourage you to call my office in Fresno at (559) 495-1620. Along with working with our veterans personally, I have fought to secure funding for programs and pass legislation that will benefit members of our armed services. Fresno Veterans Home One of the greatest achievements for our veterans can be found right here in our Valley. After we fought to secure $92 million in funding and a location, I was able to join with local veterans and leaders to break ground on the first ever Veterans Home in Fresno County. In 2013, we opened the Fresno Veterans Home, which includes a 120-bed nursing home and a 180-bed domiciliary. Construction of the home created nearly 1000 jobs in the Fresno area. Reducing the VA Backlog Veterans in the Central Valley know all too well the severe backlogs that plague the Oakland and Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Regional Offices. When the VA announced that not one California benefits office would implement a pilot program to reduce the backlog, I urged the VA to reverse its decision and received a commitment from the VA for additional staff and training at the Oakland office. I also instructed the government watchdog agency to investigate the Los Angeles office and provide recommendations for how to reduce the backlog. Legislation for Veterans With over one million unemployed veterans in the United States today, it is imperative for us to find ways in which we can ease their transition to civilian life. One of the best ways to facilitate that transition is by helping them find gainful employment. That’s why I was proud to support the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. This law helps our veterans by expanding education and training programs; educating separating service members on how their military skills and training can be easily adapted in civilian life; allowing service members to begin the federal employment process prior to their separation; and providing a veterans tax credit to businesses that hire veterans. The President also signed another bill that passed the House with my strong support, the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011. In 2008, Congress passed the Post-9/11 GI Bill, landmark legislation that restored the promise of a four-year education for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This law builds upon the success of the Post-9/11 GI Bill by increasing the amount of educational assistance available to student veterans attending private universities and colleges. Because just one veteran falling asleep at night without a permanent roof over his or her head is one veteran too many, I fought to secure $1 million to help homeless and at-risk veteran families in the Valley find sustainable, stable housing. Ending homelessness among veterans and their families once and for all must be a national goal. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. Let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. National Security One of my top duties in Congress is to keep our country safe. This means strengthening our national security, supporting our troops at home and abroad, and completing our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. To increase our national security, I have supported legislation to give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to keep us safe while ensuring accountability and good stewardship of our taxpayer dollars. For instance, 2011’s National Defense Authorization provides our military with the additional tools they need to disrupt, dismantle, and eventually defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies. These tools include counter-proliferation programs to keep weapons out of the hands of our enemies and intelligence and cyber security efforts to deter threats as soon as we learn about them. Al Qaeda and our enemies are constantly adapting, and I am committed to supporting our military and defense community in evolving to meet new threats. Supporting our Troops Over two million American service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep us safe and it is critical to our national honor and security to support members of our military when they are in the field and when they return home. To learn more about my work for veterans and their families, click here. Saving Fresno’s 144th Fighter Wing The Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno is vital for our national security and our Valley’s economic security. The location of the 144th Fighter Wing on the West Coast helps our nation maintain air superiority in the Southwest region of the United States and around the world, and with more than 1000 guardsmen and women stationed at the wing, the 144th is a central part of our local economy. That’s why I fought so hard to stop proposals by other states to end the 144th fighter wing and halt the transfer of new F-15s to the wing. On a bipartisan basis, I rallied more than half the California Congressional delegation in support of the wing, and we were successful. The new F-15s are on track and the 144th is safe from any proposed elimination. Standing Up for Victims' Rights Protecting victims of crime should be a top priority for legislatures at all levels of government. When I came to Washington in 2005, there was a void in leadership on issues related to crime victims. After speaking with some of my colleagues, I gathered several like-minded representatives together and co-founded the first Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus. This is a bipartisan caucus that seeks to represent crime victims in the United States through legislation that reflects their interests, rights and needs. Furthermore, the Victims' Rights Caucus is designed to provide an ongoing dialogue between Congress and national victim assistance programs to enhance public education initiatives and communication. This way, our communities can better understand the impact of crime on victims and get involved in crime prevention and victim assistance. Protecting the Crime Victim's Fund is a top priority of the Caucus. The Crime Victims’ Fund was started in 1984 to support crime victim assistance programs, helping over 3.8 million people each year. The fund also takes the burden off of victims for financial costs associated with crime, such as unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs. Instead of being supported by taxpayer dollars, the fund is sustained through the collection of criminal fines and I want to ensure that it continues to be applied to the people it was meant to help. In each of the past years I have been in Congress, I led the effort to appropriate funds so that the Violence Against Women Act could be renewed, ensuring that national sexual assault and domestic violence programs have adequate funding to continue their efforts in our communities. Victims of crime are our sons and daughters, husbands, brothers, wives and mothers struggling to survive in the aftermath of crime and they deserve our help. I pledge to continue my advocacy on behalf of victims as the co-chair of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, enacting compassionate policy and raising awareness of these crucial issues. Immigration Resources We are a nation of immigrants past and immigrants present. For more than 250 years, since the formation of the United States, immigrants have made our country what it is today. Our immigration system is broken, and we must fix it. That’s why I support policies that would modernize our broken immigration system for the 21st Century by securing our borders, uniting families, and providing an earned pathway to citizenship. My entire career in the House of Representatives has given me the opportunity to be a strong advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. I know first-hand the benefits that reforming our system will bring to the Valley. Continuing the status quo is not acceptable for the sake of our economy, the future of the San Joaquin Valley, and the 11 million people living in the shadows. We need reform now.[42] |
” |
| —Jim Costa's campaign website (2020)[43] | ||
Esmeralda Soria
Soria’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Education I know first-hand the value of a good public education. As a first-generation student, I depended on my teachers’ guidance to navigate through classes, shape my goals and pursue my ambitions. Without the support of my public-school educators, I wouldn’t have graduated from UC Berkeley or obtained my law degree. I am a professor at Fresno City College because I want to provide students with the same guidance and support that I received. Most of the students that I teach come from similar backgrounds as myself, and I want to make sure that the next generation sees people in positions of power that they can relate to. When I speak with my students, I hear about how they are struggling to balance it all – school, work, personal lives and their finances. Too many students are crippled with high debt loads right as they start their careers. And, I understand that struggle because I am still burdened by my student loan debt ten years after graduating. I am passionate about expanding educational opportunities, and I have a long track record of advocating for good education for all. As a Fresno City Councilmember, I helped expand Fresno City College campuses into the City’s two most low-income neighborhoods. And, I also helped create a scholarship fund for DREAMers at Fresno City College. As a member of Congress, I will fight to make college more affordable and accessible for all students. I will support student loan forgiveness programs, as well as support tuition-free community college and vocational training programs. I will also work to strengthen our kindergarten through 12 public education system, supporting our teachers, providing them with the resources they need and advocating for universal pre-kindergarten education. Environment & Environmental Justice For generations, Central Valley residents have struggled with poor air quality and a lack of access to clean drinking water. Today, new threats from climate change have raised the stakes – threats that disproportionately impact low-income and communities of color. Addressing climate change is no longer just about protecting the environment, it’s also about protecting our health, addressing energy inequity and now potentially our economic equity. We can do good for the environment while also creating economic opportunity for working families in the Valley. California has long been a national leader on climate change and the environment. We have innovated policies to dramatically expand the use of renewable energy, protect our water, reduce carbon emissions, and clean our air. However, the Central Valley has been left behind in this progress, and it’s time to change that. I believe that we can become the Silicon Valley of renewable energy – creating new good-paying jobs and growing our economy, all while protecting our environment. In Congress, I will push to create a new Green Energy Innovation Zone, which will incentivize businesses in the renewable energy and sustainability industries to put roots in the Valley. To do that, I will work to increase funding for research, provide job-creation incentives, and increase cooperation between the private sector and our colleges and universities to help foster the growth of this new industry right here at home. Not only can we create jobs, we can address one of the biggest challenges we face. The Central Valley has some of the nation’s worst air quality. Residents are forced to breathe polluted air that does not meet many federal health standards, putting our health at risk. I will work to clean up our Valley’s air by supporting new technology that controls air pollution, greater enforcement to ensure that industries are complying with emission standards and investing is renewable energy sources. The Central Valley also has the highest rates of drinking water contamination in the state. In particular, small, rural, disadvantaged communities of color are disproportionately affected by groundwater contamination. It is unacceptable that residents in the world’s wealthiest nation are suffering from diseases caused by water contaminated with nitrates, arsenic, pesticides, and uranium. I will advocate for the creation and modernization of clean water infrastructure so that every resident in the Central Valley has access to clean drinking water. We have a lot of work to do in achieving environmental justice in the Central Valley. I will supportive policies that not only advocate for cleaner technology and new infrastructure to improve the lives of residents in the Central Valley, but that also bring new, good jobs to the region. Healthcare for ALL I believe that it is a human right to have access to quality and affordable health care. I will fight to protect the Affordable Care Act in Washington, and I will fight to ensure that no American is turned away from medical help due to high medical costs. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and my father was put in the hard situation where he chose to quit his job and forfeit his income to be with my mom to help her take her medication and go about her daily activities. Even though finances are tight, my parents have some income and their children to fall back on. I know all too well that many Americans who face medical hardships do not have the good fortune of having financial security when faced with a medical emergency. I will also advocate for more access to mental health and substance abuse medical coverage for all Americans. The lack of investment in our health and access to treatment is now visible on our streets with our growing homelessness crisis. I understand that access to doctors and medical procedures is just one part of the puzzle as we seek to live healthy lifestyles. Everyone needs access to fresh air and recreational space for our well-being. I am proud to say as a councilmember in Fresno, I helped bring the first universally accessible park to the Central California region. The 8-acre state of the art facility provides much needed green space for residents west of Highway 99. This resource represents an opportunity for improved health, education and sports programming, and renewed vitality to an area of Fresno with very little green space. Housing and Homelessness California and the Central Valley are experiencing a major housing shortage and to meet demand, we need four million new housing units in California – and over one million of those units need to be affordable. California and the Central Valley are also experiencing a homelessness crisis, with homelessness increasing by 17% in Fresno and Madera counties. I believe that housing is a human right, which is why I have worked hard address the housing crisis and homelessness locally and regionally. I worked with the community and developers to bring in hundreds of new units of housing to Fresno, including the creation of market-rate, affordable and bridge housing developments. In 2019, I was honored to be appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as one of six elected officials on the state’s newly created Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force where I can work to decide how best to spend California’s new $1 billion budget to solve homelessness in California. We know that to solve our housing crisis, we need more housing. We need more housing for everyone: working-class professionals, seniors, and for people transitioning out of homelessness. To create this housing, we need to work to cut red tape and demand more federal housing funds. Over the past few decades, we have seen a steady disinvestment from the federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This disinvestment has contributed to our housing and homelessness crisis. In Congress, I will advocate to ensure that the federal government allocates to California and the Central Valley funding to invest in our housing stock. I will also fight for funding to deal with our some of the root causes of the homelessness crisis including medical, mental health, substance abuse, and job training services. We know what the solutions are to address our housing and homelessness crisis. Now, we need to roll up our sleeves and get the work done. I look forward to taking my experience and expertise to Congress to advocate for the funding and support we need to truly resolve the housing and homelessness in California. Stopping Gun Violence To solve gun violence, we need substantial legislative reform. Whether caused by gang violence, mental illness or hardened prejudices, gun violence is unacceptable and we must rise together as a nation to solve this epidemic. We need to fight the NRA and corporate gun lobby. I propose we ban the sale of assault weapons, limit magazine capacity, close the “Charleston Loophole,” conduct buy-back programs and enforce strict universal background checks. Real Immigration Reform I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to this country in pursuit of the American Dream. Each morning, my parents woke up before the sun to do the backbreaking work of farmworkers knowing that their hard work would pave the way to a bright future for myself and my siblings. My family’s story is not unique. The United States has always been a beacon of hope and opportunity to individuals in search of a brighter tomorrow. But, despite being a nation of immigrants, our immigration system is broken and outdated. I support comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for those who are already here, as well as streamlining our court system. The Trump administration has not only failed to solve our immigration crisis, they have violated human rights by locking asylum seekers in cages. This needs to stop. Not only do we need to reform our immigration policies, we also need to address the causes of why so many people are fleeing their countries. Congress should increase aid packages to strengthen democracy, grow the economies and defend human rights throughout the world, especially in Central America. Getting Corporate Money Out of Washington Political insiders who have been in office for decades are surrounded by lobbyists and lose sight of the needs of everyday people. While students are graduating college with record-high debts, families are faced with high medical bills and exploding housing costs – all while the richest corporations pay $0 in federal taxes. It is time for a change in business as usual in Washington.[42] |
” |
| —Esmeralda Soria’s campaign website (2020)[44] | ||
Kim Williams
Williams' campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Medicare for All "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s time to pass Medicare for All." Americans spend twice as much per person on healthcare than people in any other industrialized nation on Earth. And while benefits have remained largely unchanged over the last 30 years, California’s family coverage premiums have increased by 248.8%. This high cost has not improved the quality of our healthcare or increased access. In our district, 62,000 individuals have no coverage at all. Medicare for All will ensure all our hard working families have access to the care they need regardless of their employer. This will eliminate excess costs, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and put an average of $3,000 back into the pockets of Valley residents each year. It is time to expand coverage to include dental and mental healthcare, end medical bankruptcies, and create a system where healthcare is a guaranteed right, not a privilege. The majority of Americans want Medicare for All, but many of our representatives have yet to sign on to this plan. As insurance costs pile up and our district faces greater health hazards than ever before, the current system must be replaced. It’s time to prioritize constituent needs over corporate interests and ensure every individual in this valley has the healthcare they deserve. Green New Deal "We must be daring and courageous in response to our climate crisis. It’s happening right here at home." The Green New Deal is a fast and necessary transition to 100% renewable energy for everyone. We need to eliminate fossil fuel use everywhere, and we need to cut off the social licensing and financing of fossil fuel companies. We must divest, desponsor, and defund these companies and finally put an end to this industry’s legal immunity. The Green New Deal also puts people at the center of the plan to transition to a sustainable and equitable world. It provides Americans with the training, education, and job guarantees needed to ensure a feasible and just transition, especially for those communities that are the least responsible for climate change and the most affected by it: working class families, low-income workers, people of color, and indigenous peoples. Political Reform "We deserve a government that uses taxpayer money to benefit the lives of everyday working people and prioritizes us over the profits of corporations and wealthy individuals." It’s time to get the corruption of big money out of Washington to ensure legislation isn’t written by the highest bidder. Industry lobbyists, corporations, and wealthy individuals spend billions every year to influence Congress and federal agencies to put corporate interests above all else. Closing loopholes on lobbying and overturning Citizens United will help to get big, unaccountable, foreign, and secret money out of politics. The American people deserve representatives who will fight for the dignity, health, and prosperity of their constituents—and that starts with holding our leaders accountable. We must also enact automatic voter registration for every 18 year-old citizen, expand access to online registration and early voting, and make Election Day a federal holiday. We must also impose term limits on the House and Senate in order to bring new voices to Congress and make publicly funded elections a reality. Economic Dignity "We deserve a representative who will dismantle wealth inequalities. Job creation and economic growth are among my top priorities." California’s 16th Congressional District has some of the highest poverty rates in the country, and incomes are stagnant. This is unacceptable. The federal government can and should make investments in our communities to address the housing shortage, bring down rents, and create new jobs in this district. Wage distribution, particularly in our agriculture industry, is top heavy, enriching corporations and business owners while employees experience poverty and food insecurity. We can make investments that create economic opportunity while addressing rural neglect and a legacy of racial discrimination. We must also make quality education a higher priority if we are going to provide opportunities for good jobs, stronger families and more resilient communities. We know what needs to be done to refocus education to prepare our kids for the future because teachers have been telling us, and I’m listening. We have to invest in K12 public schools and ensure all our teachers earn a living wage. It means maintaining small class sizes, de-emphasizing high-stakes tests, and providing resources that support teachers and encourage STEM skills for the 21st-century economy. Debt-Free College "Education is key to breaking generational poverty. Higher education leads to greater social mobility and economic opportunity, and when we prioritize education in all communities, the middle class will grow." As a former community college student and professor, I understand the direct impact higher education can make on individuals and our economy. In my youth, I was able to string together part-time jobs and graduate debt free. Later, I helped students with families and jobs navigate the same process. But today, it is nearly impossible for students to afford the education they need to launch their careers. The high cost of tuition comes with a high cost for society. When young people opt out of college because they can’t afford it, we lose scientists, engineers, and other professionals who could grow our economy right here at home. For those that do take on the high costs of tuition, many won’t be able to buy cars, a house, or start their families until this debt is paid. When we invest in students, we invest in communities, and when we cancel student debt, we boost the economy, which creates greater housing stability and increased support for local businesses. This is why I support student debt cancellation of up to $50,000 and public service loan forgiveness programs that connect graduates with high need communities like those in California’s 16th congressional district. I also support tuition-free community colleges and technical schools as well as tuition-free education at public four-year schools for financially-challenged families. Immigration Reform "We need real reform that addresses the root causes of migration, and provides an achievable path to status and citizenship so that our neighbors don’t have to live in fear." CA-16 is a diverse community, and every member of our community deserves respect, equality, and safety. I am committed to combating systemic racism and bias by lifting up marginalized communities and expanding equal opportunity for all. We must overturn this Administration’s policy of cruelty and division by ending private detention facilities that create inhumane conditions and separate families at our border. I am committed to work towards a clear path for citizenship for all undocumented immigrants. We must also address the root causes that drive individuals from their homes and take concrete steps to combat the violence, climate change, and injustice that has displaced millions. Criminal Justice Reform "For too long, we have bought into the idea that our safety depends on high incarceration rates. We’ve spent billions stacking the deck against the poor and communities of color in order to support an entire industry that profits from mass incarceration. As a result, we imprison more people than any other country on earth." And we are no safer for it. It’s time to redesign our criminal justice systems to be effective, fair, and humane for the entire population.This will require investments in rehabilitation, mental health care, and providing reintegration opportunities that are less destructive and more cost-effective. We must also reexamine the failed War on Drugs, eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, get rid of cash bail, and implement training to reduce racial bias. The United States operates separate criminal justice systems for the wealthy and the poor, and we must address these disparities by ensuing equal justice, which requires a new commitment to prosecuting giant corporations – and their leaders – when they cheat customers, stomp out their competitors, or rob their workers. Women's Rights "Women’s reproductive freedom is deeply tied to women’s economic security. Congress should pass new federal laws that protect access to reproductive care regardless of what the Supreme Court does." Through each passing generation, the accomplishments of women in our democracy are remarkable. From securing the right to vote to demanding equal treatment in the workplace, women have made landmark achievements to secure their equality in society. However, there is still work to be done. Our basic rights are under threat. Women should have access to reproductive healthcare; to pay equity and to a harassment-free workplace. More than 50% of my district identifies as female, and I commit to giving women an equal voice on the issues they care about the most. Universal Pre-K "Two expenses per month — my rent and my childcare exceeded my monthly paycheck. This is unacceptable and not sustainable for working families." The proper development and well-being of our children is the stepping stone to a better future. Federally funded, locally managed, and universally-available pre-K would create one of the biggest advantages for working families since unions. When workers are freed from the high cost and stress of access childcare, they are freed to pursue a career vigorously and invest their savings back into their communities. In addition, businesses benefit tremendously from a stable workforce that will grow our local economy. Not only will free universal Pre-K give children a good foundation for a healthy, productive life, it will create good-paying, protected jobs in the childcare industry. Economically and socially, it’s a win-win.[42] |
” |
| —Kim Williams' campaign website (2020)[45] | ||
Kevin Cookingham
Cookingham’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
ON THE ISSUES Education Politicians in Washington DC and Sacramento have neglected our kid’s educational needs while using the public-school system for their own social engineering agenda. As an educator with twenty-five years of experience, I am fully aware of the deceptive curriculum being imposed on our students, parents and teachers. We need to get back to the basics of equipping students with the fundamentals while expanding options for vocational education and trade schools. Jobs The 16th district’s unemployment rate in 2018 was 16.9%. This is almost five times the national average! As the Principal of Clovis Adult School, my staff and I had tremendous success with job training and community networking, successfully placing students in real world jobs. As your congressman I will continue to focus on employment preparedness and job creation, so all our districts residents will have the opportunity to better paying jobs. Homelessness We are spending billions of dollars on homelessness in California, and yet our homeless population continues to grow. Government solutions like providing clean needles have only exacerbated the problem. Let’s be honest, homelessness is mainly a drug, alcohol and mental health issue. Faith based organizations have a history of success in treating these issues. I will seek out and empower these non-profits, as opposed to throwing money at failed government solutions. Health Care In California, we have over 800 Community Health Clinics. These clinics provide care regardless of income level or citizenship. Also, no person can be turned away from a hospital emergency room. We are a compassionate Country and State. I believe that health care is a fundamental need, health insurance is not. Investing in proper health care facilities for the impoverished and our Veterans is the right thing to do. Water Our Central Valley is the bread basket of America and water is its lifeline. We must create new water storage below and above ground like Temperance Flat Dam, while adding more efficient transport. We must also explore new technological and conservation methods that won’t burden farmers or consumers. Taxes We need tax-reform, not new tax bills. The tax code is far too complicated and rewards or penalizes behavior. We need a tax code that is simplified, unlike the current one where those that can afford high priced accountants or lawyers to unravel it, are the biggest beneficiaries. While I applaud Congress for passing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it was flawed, instituting a politically motivated State and Local Tax (SALT) cap that has cost Central Valley residents millions. I support repealing the SALT cap and will work to pass real tax reform. Abortion After counseling hundreds of hurting students who had been deceived about abortion, I became more aware that abortion results not only in the death of the unborn child but incredible emotional wounding on the would be mother. I have never heard a student who experienced abortion mention any informed consent or counseling they received from the abortion facility. I am a staunch believer that all life, born and unborn, is sacred. Abortion has been redefined by many as healthcare or a right. We need to place the highest value on the most vulnerable, the unborn, and provide counseling support for those who have been deceived into having an abortion. We as a community need to care for unwanted or abandoned children. Immigration Our southern border needs to be secured! Many immigrants cross our border seeking a better life, yet there is still a pervasive criminal element that is using our unsecured border to traffic drugs and children. For those that are seeking a better life, we need to reform our immigration system so they are not waiting in line for years. We have the technology to both secure the border and create an expeditious vetting system; we just need to stop playing politics with people lives and get it done. Religious freedom There have been many attacks on our constitutional right to religious freedom. It is now common for schools, businesses and government agencies to discriminate against people of faith; this is wrong! I will always defend the Constitution and fight for everyone’s religious freedom. Israel Never is my lifetime have I seen such hate towards our friend in the Middle East, Israel. Both in Congress and in our Country, there is an anti-Sematic culture growing. One of our closest allies, I will always support Israel and stand up to hateful anti-Semitism that threatens our relationship with our good friend to the east.[42] |
” |
| —Kevin Cookingham's campaign website (2020)[46] | ||
Campaign advertisements
This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.
Jim Costa
Supporting Costa
A sample ad from the candidate's Facebook page is embedded below. Click here to see the candidate's Facebook Video page.
Opposing Soria
Esmeralda Soria
A sample ad from the candidate's Facebook page is embedded below. Click here to see the candidate's Facebook Video page.
Kim Williams
A sample ad from the candidate's Facebook page is embedded below. Click here to see the candidate's Facebook Video page.
Kevin Cookingham
A sample ad from the candidate's Facebook page is embedded below. Click here to see the candidate's Facebook Video page.
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
If you are aware of polls conducted in this race, please email us.
Campaign finance
This section contains campaign finance figures from the Federal Election Commission covering all candidate fundraising and spending in this election.[47] It does not include information on fundraising before the current campaign cycle or on spending by satellite groups. The numbers in this section are updated as candidates file new campaign finance reports. Candidates for Congress are required to file financial reports on a quarterly basis, as well as two weeks before any primary, runoff, or general election in which they will be on the ballot and upon the termination of any campaign committees.[48] The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission.
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Costa | Democratic Party | $2,146,775 | $1,846,494 | $410,171 | As of December 31, 2020 |
| Esmeralda Soria | Democratic Party | $432,412 | $429,336 | $3,075 | As of December 31, 2020 |
| Kim Williams | Democratic Party | $53,242 | $45,910 | $5,703 | As of March 31, 2020 |
| Kevin Cookingham | Republican Party | $270,292 | $270,292 | $0 | As of December 31, 2020 |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2020. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
|||||
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending, commonly referred to as outside spending, describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[49][50][51]
This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.
Debates and forums
February 25, 2020
Costa, Williams, and Cookingham participated in a debate hosted by FOX26 News and ValleyPBS.
Video:
February 20, 2020
Soria and Williams participated in a candidate forum at California State University, Fresno.[40][41]
Primaries in California
California uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, move on to the general election. In states that do not use a top-two system, all parties are usually able to put forward a candidate for the general election if they choose to.[52][53]
Unlike the top-two format used in some states (Louisiana and Georgia special elections for example), a general election between the top-two candidates in California occurs regardless of whether the top candidate received 50% of the vote in the first round of elections.
As of June 2025, California was one of five states to use a top-two primary system, or a variation of the top-two system. See here for more information.
For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.
What's at stake in the general election?
U.S. House elections were held on November 3, 2020, and coincided with the 2020 presidential election. All 435 House districts were up for election, and the results determined control of the U.S. House in the 117th Congress.
At the time of the election, Democrats had a 232-197 advantage over Republicans. There was one Libertarian member, and there were five vacancies. Republicans needed to gain a net 21 seats to win control of the House. Democrats needed to gain seats or lose fewer than 14 net seats to keep their majority.
In the 2018 midterm election, Democrats had a net gain of 40 seats, winning a 235-200 majority in the House. Heading into the 2018 election, Republicans had a 235-193 majority with seven vacancies.
In the 25 previous House elections that coincided with a presidential election, the president's party had gained House seats in 16 elections and lost seats in nine. In years where the president's party won districts, the average gain was 18. In years where the president's party lost districts, the average loss was 27. Click here for more information on presidential partisanship and down-ballot outcomes.
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[54]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[55][56][57]
| Race ratings: California's 16th Congressional District election, 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| November 3, 2020 | October 27, 2020 | October 20, 2020 | October 13, 2020 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | Solid Democratic | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | Safe Democratic | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every week throughout the election season. | |||||||||
District analysis
- See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
- See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores
The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+9, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 9 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made California's 16th Congressional District the 124th most Democratic nationally.[58]
FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 1.00. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 1.00 points toward that party.[59]
District election history
2018
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 16
Incumbent Jim Costa defeated Elizabeth Heng in the general election for U.S. House California District 16 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jim Costa (D) | 57.5 | 82,266 |
 | Elizabeth Heng (R) | 42.5 | 60,693 | |
| Total votes: 142,959 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 16
Incumbent Jim Costa and Elizabeth Heng advanced from the primary for U.S. House California District 16 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jim Costa (D) | 53.0 | 39,527 |
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Heng (R) | 47.0 | 35,080 |
| Total votes: 74,607 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Jim Costa (D) defeated Johnny Tacherra (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Costa and Tacherra defeated David Rogers (R) in the top-two primary on June 7, 2016.[60][61]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Jim Costa Incumbent |
58% | 97,473 | |
| Republican | Johnny Tacherra | 42% | 70,483 | |
| Total Votes | 167,956 | |||
| Source: California Secretary of State | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |
Jim Costa Incumbent |
55.9% | 52,822 | |
| Republican | Johnny Tacherra |
32.8% | 31,028 | |
| Republican | David Rogers | 11.2% | 10,606 | |
| Total Votes | 94,456 | |||
| Source: California Secretary of State |
||||
2014
The 16th Congressional District of California held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Jim Costa (D) narrowly defeated Johnny Tacherra (R) in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jim Costa Incumbent |
50.7% | 46,277 | |
| Republican | Johnny Tacherra | 49.3% | 44,943 | |
| Total Votes | 91,220 | |||
| Source: California Secretary of State | ||||
State profile
- See also: California and California elections, 2020
Partisan data
The information in this section was current as of January 23, 2020
Presidential voting pattern
- California voted for the Democratic candidate in all seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.
Congressional delegation
- Both U.S. Senators from California were Democrats.
- California had 45 Democratic and six Republican U.S. Representatives, with two vacancies.
State executives
- Democrats held 10 and Republicans held one of California's 21 state executive offices. Elections for the other offices are nonpartisan.
- California's governor was Gavin Newsom (D).
State legislature
- Democrats controlled the California State Senate with a 29-10 majority, with one vacancy.
- Democrats controlled the California State Assembly with a 61-19 majority.
California Party Control: 1992-2025
Twenty years with Democratic trifectas • No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
| Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Assembly | D | D | D | S | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
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|
| Demographic data for California | ||
|---|---|---|
| California | U.S. | |
| Total population: | 38,993,940 | 316,515,021 |
| Land area (sq mi): | 155,779 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White: | 61.8% | 73.6% |
| Black/African American: | 5.9% | 12.6% |
| Asian: | 13.7% | 5.1% |
| Native American: | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander: | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| Two or more: | 4.5% | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino: | 38.4% | 17.1% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate: | 81.8% | 86.7% |
| College graduation rate: | 31.4% | 29.8% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income: | $61,818 | $53,889 |
| Persons below poverty level: | 18.2% | 11.3% |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in California. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
See also
- California's 16th Congressional District election, 2020
- United States House elections in California, 2020 (March 3 top-two primaries)
- United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2020
- United States House Republican Party primaries, 2020
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2020
- U.S. House battlegrounds, 2020
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Fresno Bee, "Congressman Jim Costa is at ‘the top of his game.’ Voters should give him a new term," February 27, 2020
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "United States Senator Kamala D. Harris Endorses Congressman Jim Costa," June 20, 2019
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jim Costa campaign website, "US Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Congressman Jim Costa for Re-election,"July 1, 2019
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Congressman Adam Schiff Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," July 17, 2019
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Governor Gavin Newsom Stands with Congressman Jim Costa for Re-election," June 26, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Attorney General Xavier Becerra Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," July 5, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "State Senator Melissa Hurtado Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," January 29, 2020
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "State Senator Anna Caballero Endorses Jim Costa for Re-election to Congress," November 18, 2019
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed February 13, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcookinghamendorsements - ↑ 12.0 12.1 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Release: Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta Announces Endorsement for Esmeralda Soria for Congress," December 10, 2019
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Press release: Former Lt. Governor Bustamante endorses Soria over longtime incumbent Democrat," February 13, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedCostamayors - ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Kim Williams 2020 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 14, 2020
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Jim Costa Wins Sole Endorsement of Planned Parenthood Action Fund," December 6, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "BOLD PAC Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," June 24, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Equality PAC Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," July 19, 2019
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "California School Employees Association Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," December 12, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Fresno County’s Democratic Women in Action Endorse Jim Costa for Congress," July 3, 2019
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, "Black Women Organized for Political Action Fresno/San Joaquin Valley Chapter Endorses Jim Costa for Congress," October 21, 2019
- ↑ PanARMENIAN.Net, "Armenian Committee announces endorsements ahead of 2020 Primaries," February 25, 2020
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Press Release: California Labor Federation Stands with Esmeralda Soria against Democratic Incumbent," January 25, 2020
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "SEIU California Endorses Esmeralda Soria in 16th Congressional District," November 21, 2019
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Courage California, "Courage California Announces First Endorsements of 2020, Backing Four Progressive Women of Color in Races Across the State," January 9, 2020
- ↑ CYD, "2020 Primary Election Endorsements," accessed February 14, 2020
- ↑ Fresno County Dems, "CA Young Democrats Endorses Esmeralda Soria for Congress," October 29, 2019
- ↑ Facebook, "CA Latina Democrats - Fresno County on November 26, 2019," accessed February 14, 2020
- ↑ Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Soria Endorsed by Central Valley Leadership Round Table," October 23, 2019
- ↑ Facebook, "Latinas Lead California on February 3, 2020," accessed February 14, 2020
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, "Press release: Soria gains CA League of Conservation Voters endorsement," January 30, 2020
- ↑ Facebook, "Power CA Action on February 25, 2020," accessed February 26, 2020
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 Twitter, "Brand New Congress on February 7, 2020," accessed February 13, 2020
- ↑ Twitter, "Fresno DSA," January 19, 2020
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Blue America, "Blue Dog Jim Costa’s Strong Progressive Opponent, Kim Williams," July 28, 2019
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Twitter, "CAGOP on December 23, 2019," accessed February 13, 2020
- ↑ Facebook, "Right Choices USA on February 28, 2020," accessed March 1, 2020
- ↑ Twitter, "Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids on February 28, 2020," accessed March 1, 2020
- ↑ FOX26 News, "Watch District 16 Debate: Rep. Jim Costa, Kim Williams and Kevin Cookingham," February 25, 2020
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 League of Women Voters of Fresno, "Congressional Candidates Forum - District 16 and 22," accessed February 27, 2020
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 The Fresno Bee, "Candidates for the 16th Congressional District take shots at incumbent Jim Costa," February 20, 2020
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Jim Costa 2020 campaign website, “Issues & Legislation,” accessed February 12, 2020
- ↑ Esmeralda Soria 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 12, 2020
- ↑ Kim Williams 2020 campaign website, “Vision For The Valley,” accessed February 12, 2020
- ↑ Kevin Cookingham 2020 campaign website, “On the Issues,” accessed February 12, 2020
- ↑ Fundraising by primary candidates can be found on the race's respective primary election page. Fundraising by general election candidates can be found on the race's general election page.
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "2022 Quarterly Reports," accessed March 2, 2022
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
- ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed August 13, 2024
- ↑ California Secretary of State, "Primary Elections in California," accessed August 13, 2024
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
- ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
- ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
- ↑ California Secretary of State, "Certified List of Candidates for Voter-Nominated Offices June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election," accessed April 4, 2016
- ↑ The New York Times, "California Primary Results," June 7, 2016
