Huffman tops primary race for Congress
Jared Huffman has ably represented Marin in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly a decade.
He earned a reputation as a leading voice on climate change and as a strong and effective representative of California's North Coast.
The IJ editorial board does not see any reason for replacing the 57-year-old Democrat, but on the June 7 ballot there are five challengers who want his job. None of the five have offered persuasive arguments that they would be better at representing the views and causes of the residents of the Second Congressional District.
Huffman is seeking a sixth term. He's a proven representative, a strong voice and vote for his district in Washington. Even more important, Huffman has been effective in guiding federal policies and agencies when it comes to Marin and North Coast issues.
On issues such as public housing, the Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods National Monument, American Indian gaming, transportation and increasing water supply, Huffman has gotten actively involved and been a strong voice in making sure the sentiments and priorities of local stakeholders are not bypassed in federal decision making.
That's the type of representation we want to see in Congress.
This year, the field challenging Huffman includes four Republicans and a fellow Democrat — people from up and down the district, from Ferndale to San Anselmo.
The race has created a dialogue of varied opinions. That's healthy.
Huffman could ignore the fray, but instead he is campaigning, respecting voters deserving to know where he stands, as well.
His challengers include Republicans — neurosurgeon and San Anselmo resident Dr. Archimedes Ramirez, pastor Douglas Brower of Ferndale, business owner Chris Coulombe of Sebastopol and business owner Darian Elizondo of Laytonville — and another Democrat, Beth Hampson, a school administrator from Rohnert Park.
From a politically practical standpoint, they are likely vying for second place and the ticket to a November runoff against Huffman.
Ramirez, a former Marin Healthcare District director, and Brower declined the IJ's invitation to participate in the IJ editorial board's candidates forum that was held online. Brower had a prayer event on the same day and Ramirez turned down the invitation, saying he is taking the campaign “directly to the voters based on my personal history, experience and service.”
Coulombe, an Army veteran, offers political views that differ from Huffman on issues ranging from the future of the SMART train to U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
He says he would advocate a five-year reform for federal taxes by exempting from taxes the first $170,000 per year a household earns, which he says would promote spending and revive the nation's economy. In addition, Coulombe called the war in Ukraine a diversion from the threat posed by China's increasing militarization.
Huffman defends President Joe Biden's handling of Ukraine, stressing that it is not “a proxy war” but helping a democratic nation defend its independence. Elizondo often cited positions shaped by extreme views he found online.
Hampson, who formerly managed College of Marin's community education programs, does not differ much from Huffman. She does, however, list education as one of her top priorities.
In 2020 Huffman won reelection with an 83% majority from Marin voters and better than 75% districtwide, a sign that he is in step with the politics of a large majority of his constituents.
He's worked hard to make sure a fair share of our federal dollars are invested in meeting local needs and projects and his experience and his seniority are going to be necessary as the North Bay seeks federal funds for such important projects as replacing Highway 37, extending the SMART train or advancing wildland fire protection initiatives.
This is an easy call. Huffman has proven himself to be a hard-working and effective representative and on the June 7 ballot the IJ recommends his re-election.