Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Little Known Republican Leads Long-Term Incumbent in Valley Race

Congressional and state legislature elections in the Central Valley mostly went as expected, with Republican’s winning virtually every district in the region. But something unexpected happened in the 16th Congressional District. With all precincts reporting, Republican dairy farmer Johnny Techerra is leading long-time incumbent Democrat Jim Costa by one percent. Techerra ran a grass roots campaign with no big-name support and very little money. There are an undetermined number ballots yet to be counted, and it could be weeks before the final tally is certified. Costa’s campaign says the race is not over, while Techerra says there aren’t enough outstanding votes for Costa to change the outcome. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.