Seven-term incumbent Representative Jared Huffman is facing a crowded field of seven challengers heading into the June 2nd primary for California’s newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District.
According to the Press Democrat, while Huffman’s campaign remains financially flush, the state’s rebounding gray wolf population has emerged as a major debate topic in the district’s rural northern counties. Livestock losses have prompted Huffman, a staunch environmentalist, to back a full range of solutions—including lethal force for problem wolves—to protect ranchers’ herds.
Independent challenger and sustainable rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman is capitalizing on the issue, accusing the incumbent of being out of touch with rural voters.
The top two vote-getters in next week’s election will advance to the November runoff.
