Freshman Rep. Jeff Denham has focused on creating a commission to evaluate whether federal properties are being used to the utmost efficiency. He wants to see federal buildings consolidated, unused properties sold and the government shedding expensive leases.
Re-election won't be as easy for Denham, who already has an opponent in his redrawn and more competitive district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting him with radio ads in hopes of reclaiming the majority.
He will likely face former astronaut and Central Valley native Jose Hernandez (D). Roll Call rates the race Leans Republican.
Even after redistricting, his new district maintains a significant Hispanic population. Denham is fluent in Spanish; he said he learned it for personal reasons: to speak with his wife's grandmother.
"Now my wife and I primarily speak in Spanish when we don't want the kids to know what we're talking about," he said, laughing. "They are learning it now. We need to find a new language."
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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