St. Pat's Day Fete for Congressional Candidate Jared Huffman

Local community leaders are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day reception for congressional candidate, Assemblymember Jared Huffman, on Saturday, March 17 in Healdsburg.

Huffman, a lifelong Democrat who currently represents southern Sonoma County in the state Assembly, is one of seven candidates running in the June 5 Democratic primary elections for the open 2nd Congressional District seat.

The St. Patrick's Day event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at , the former Windsor Vineyards Tasting Room, at 308 B Center St.  To attend, please RSVP to Nick@JaredHuffman.com or visit the events page at www.JaredHuffman.com

Huffman, banking on the strength of legislative experience, is emphasizing his combination of progressive values and a record of getting things done -- including authoring more than 60 pieces of successful legislation on a wide range of issues.  

“People in Sonoma County are looking for a member of Congress who works to represent the whole community instead of pitting people against each other, and they want more than just talk – they want someone who will get things done in Congress," Huffman said.

"I’m energized by the outpouring of support from throughout Sonoma County, and i look forward to building on this momentum at our event on March 17.”

More than 40 current and former Sonoma County elected officials have signed on to Huffman's campaign, including   U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Napa, and Healdsburg City Councilman Jim Wood.

“As a health care provider and small business owner, I have been impressed with Jared's ability to navigate through complex issues, build consensus, and find meaningful solutions that work well for all. He knows how to get things done," Wood said.

"This is the kind of leadership that Washington can use more of," Wood added. "That is why we need to elect Jared to Congress.”

has endorsed Huffman as his successor in the North Sonoma County area.

 “He has a talent for meeting with people from a broad spectrum of interests, listening and learning,” Thompson said of Huffman. "He starts with a leg up because he’s been working for years on many of the key issues affecting the North Coast and Sonoma County.” 

Democrats pre-caucus meeting earlier this year, agreed.

“I am supporting Jared because he is a proven leader when it comes to job creation, balancing tough budgets, standing up for our kids and public schools, and protecting our environment and agricultural heritage,” McGuire said.

for the seat in a new 2nd Congressional District that extends from Marin County north to the Oregon border (with the exception of Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park)

In South Sonoma County and Marin, the new 2nd Congressional District will replace the former 6th District represented by

Other Democratic candidates include:

of San Rafael.

of West Marin.

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Huffman said he has been effective in dealing with a diversity of issues, people and concerns while serving in the state Assembly.

“I work hard to bridge different constituencies and bring people together around solutions,”  Huffman said He pointed to his work on the contentious issue of frost protection as a prime example.  

Wine grape growers and environmental groups have clashed in recent years over impacts on fragile salmon populations, when spring temperatures drop and growers are forced to divert water from rivers and streams and spray it on their crops to protect against frost damage. 

Huffman worked with both sides and came up with a win-win solution: AB 964, passed into law last year, will reduce simultaneous diversions and help prevent fish kills by dramatically streamlining the process for building small off-stream storage ponds for frost protection. 

Huffman, who has a background as an environmental attorney, and who is co-chair of the Legislative Environmental Caucus, has been endorsed by the  League of Conservation Voters, Ocean Champions and Friends of the Earth.

He has also won support from business-oriented groups like the California Credit Union League, the North Bay Association of Realtors, various health care provider groups and numerous labor unions.

The St. Patty’s Day Celebration is hosted by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro,  McGuire, Healdsburg Mayor Gary Plass, Wood, Windsor Mayor Debora Fudge, Windsor Vice Mayor Robin Goble, Windsor Town Councilmember Sam Salmon, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Steven Herrington, Chris Manson, Bob Anderson, and Paul Dolan.