Josh Harder

Josh Harder is the U.S. Representative for California's 9th Congressional District, a seat he has held since 2023 after first being elected to Congress in 2018 to represent the state's 10th District. A member of the Democratic Party and a fifth-generation resident of California's Central Valley, Harder was born in Turlock and attended Modesto High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Stanford University in 2008 and later obtained a joint Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy from Harvard University in 2014. Before entering public service, Harder's professional career included working as a consultant for The Boston Consulting Group and serving as a vice president at Bessemer Venture Partners, where he specialized in venture capital and job creation. He also spent time teaching business as an instructor at Modesto Junior College. His decision to run for office was primarily driven by healthcare concerns, particularly the protection of insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Currently, he serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he sits on subcommittees for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. In Congress, Harder has focused on legislative priorities specific to the Central Valley, including water rights, agricultural support, and veteran affairs. He gained prominence for his efforts to block the Delta Tunnel project to protect the regional ecosystem and for leading a bill that delivered healthcare to thousands of veterans exposed to Agent Orange. A member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Harder often emphasizes bipartisan cooperation on issues such as infrastructure and public safety.

Josh Harder focuses on lowering the cost of living by advocating for the repeal of gas taxes and capping insulin costs at $35 per month. He is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act and has consistently voted to protect coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Regarding immigration, Harder supports the DREAM Act and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, while also advocating for enhanced border security through the use of 21st-century technology like drones and improved screening at ports of entry. His environmental policy is centered on securing water resources for Central Valley farmers and opposing the Delta Tunnel project. On public safety, he supports universal background checks and increased funding for law enforcement to address fentanyl trafficking and community crime.