We are pleased to endorse John Garamendi for the US House of Representatives, District 8. He has a solid, long-standing record of climate action. 

Raised on his family’s ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills—where he still grows pears and raises cattle—Garamendi brings the perspective of someone who lives with the land, not just legislates about it. As a California state senator in the 1980s, he helped pass the state’s first alternative energy tax credits, laying early groundwork for California’s clean energy leadership. Appointed Deputy Secretary of the Interior under President Clinton, he led the “Garamendi Process,” bringing together farmers, fishermen, environmentalists, and city leaders to resolve their differences and adopt mutually acceptable policies to restore the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and River basins. As Lieutenant Governor of California, he successfully protected coastal beaches by preventing further offshore oil and gas development projects. 

Garamendi has served in Congress since 2009. He secured five-year extensions of the Wind Energy Production and Solar Investment Tax Credits to keep the clean energy manufacturing sector growing. He has pushed the military to prepare for the effects of climate change. As a member of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Conference Committee, Garamendi is part of a bipartisan, bicameral delegation responsible for shaping the nation’s water infrastructure policies. With 30 years of experience in California water issues, Garamendi is a leading advocate for conservation, storage, and water recycling.

Garamendi is an outspoken defender of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, opposing the proposed twin tunnels that he warns could drain the Delta dry for months at a time. He has introduced legislation to invest in water infrastructure, protect local species, and address drought.

We endorse John Garamendi as a steadfast climate champion.

Campaign website: https://www.garamendi.org/