Lodi's Congressional Representation Under Proposition 50

Lodi's Congressional Representation Under Proposition 50

A Comprehensive Analysis of Representatives Matsui, Garamendi, and Harder

February 2026 • Lodi 411

Executive Summary

California's Proposition 50, passed by voters with 64.4% approval on November 4, 2025, has fundamentally reshaped congressional representation for Lodi residents. The city of approximately 68,000 residents—previously contained entirely within a single congressional district—will now be divided among three districts represented by Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-7), John Garamendi (CA-8), and Josh Harder (CA-9).

This fragmentation has raised concerns among Lodi's leadership about diluted federal representation, while potentially offering residents three advocates in Washington rather than one. This analysis examines each representative's background, committee assignments, voting records, and positions most relevant to Lodi residents, while contextualizing Lodi within each district's broader demographic and economic landscape.

Background and Biographical Profiles

Doris Matsui (District 7)

Personal History and Political Experience

Representative Doris Matsui, born September 25, 1944, at the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona during Japanese American internment, has served in Congress since 2005. She won a special election following the death of her husband, Congressman Robert Matsui. Before Congress, she served as Deputy Assistant to the President in the Clinton Administration, where she helped establish the first White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Matsui holds a B.A. in psychology from UC Berkeley and brings decades of experience in government affairs and advocacy. Her family connection to the Central Valley—she grew up in Dinuba—provides a personal understanding of agricultural communities.

John Garamendi (District 8)

Personal History and Political Experience

Representative John Garamendi, raised on his family's ranch in Mokelumne Hill, California, represents one of California's most experienced public servants. A Wheeler Scholar at UC Berkeley, where he played as a lineman for the Cal Bears, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Following graduation, Garamendi and his wife Patti served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia (1966-1968), teaching 7th and 8th graders. His political career spans five decades:

• California State Assembly (1974)
• California State Senate (four terms)
• California Insurance Commissioner (two terms)
• Deputy Secretary of the Interior under President Clinton (1995)
• Lieutenant Governor of California (2007-2009)
• U.S. House of Representatives (2009-present)

Garamendi authored California's first solar, wind, and energy conservation tax credits, as well as the state's original assault weapons ban following the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School shooting in Stockton.

Josh Harder (District 9)

Personal History and Political Experience

Representative Josh Harder, born August 1, 1986, in Turlock, California, represents a younger generation of Democratic leadership. His family's Central Valley roots date to the 1850s, when his great-great-grandfather established a peach farm in Manteca.

Harder's educational credentials include a B.A. from Stanford University (2008) and joint MBA/Master of Public Policy degrees from Harvard Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Before running for Congress, he worked as Vice President at Bessemer Venture Partners and taught business at Modesto Junior College.

In 2018, Harder defeated incumbent Republican Jeff Denham, becoming one of seven congressional newcomers who flipped California districts from Republican to Democratic control.

Characteristic	Doris Matsui	John Garamendi	Josh Harder
Born	September 25, 1944	January 18, 1945	August 1, 1986
Education	B.A. UC Berkeley	B.A. UC Berkeley, MBA Harvard	B.A. Stanford, MBA/MPP Harvard
Years in Congress	20 years (since 2005)	16 years (since 2009)	7 years (since 2019)
Prior Experience	Clinton White House	Lt. Governor, Insurance Commissioner	Venture Capital, Teaching
District Core	Sacramento	Contra Costa/Solano	San Joaquin County

Congressional Committee Assignments

Each representative's committee assignments significantly influence their capacity to deliver results for constituents. The three representatives serve on distinctly different committees, providing Lodi residents with diverse channels for federal advocacy.

Doris Matsui — Energy and Commerce Committee

Matsui serves as Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, the oldest standing committee in Congress. Her subcommittee assignments include:

• Communications & Technology (Ranking Member): Oversight of telecommunications, internet, spectrum policy, and emerging technologies
• Energy, Climate, and Grid Security: Jurisdiction over energy production, nuclear power, and grid modernization

Leadership Positions

• Co-Chair, Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC)
• Co-Chair, Congressional High-Tech Caucus
• Co-Chair, Rare Disease Congressional Caucus
• Co-Chair, Congressional Food Allergy Research Caucus

John Garamendi — Transportation & Infrastructure and Armed Services

Garamendi's committee assignments directly address infrastructure, water management, and military readiness—issues with significant local implications:

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
• Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
• Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Armed Services

• Subcommittee on Readiness (Ranking Member)
• Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
• Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces

Garamendi's position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is particularly relevant for Lodi, given the city's infrastructure vulnerabilities and the SR-99 corridor flood risks.

Josh Harder — Appropriations Committee

Harder serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls federal spending:

• Interior and Environment Subcommittee: Funding for Interior Department, EPA, Forest Service, and Indian programs
• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee: Funding for healthcare, education, and workforce programs

Caucus Memberships

• Problem Solvers Caucus (member)
• Build America Caucus (Chair)

Harder's Appropriations Committee seat provides direct influence over federal funding decisions, which he has leveraged for local projects including $3.8 million for Delta College's nursing program expansion and transit safety improvements.

Interest Group Scores: Comparing the Three Representatives

Voting Record Analysis

While all three representatives are Democrats who typically vote with their party, notable differences emerge on specific issues, particularly immigration and border security.

Areas of Agreement

All three representatives have consistently aligned on:

• Water Policy: Opposition to the Delta Tunnel project and efforts to protect Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta communities
• Labor Issues: Perfect or near-perfect AFL-CIO labor scores
• Environmental Protection: Strong League of Conservation Voters scores (93-97%)
• Healthcare: Opposition to Medicaid cuts and support for ACA expansion

Key Voting Differences

The most significant voting differences have emerged on immigration-related legislation, where Josh Harder has occasionally broken from his more progressive colleagues:

Legislation	Matsui	Garamendi	Harder
Laken Riley Act (Jan. 2025)	NO	NO	YES
Protect Communities from DUIs Act (Feb. 2024)	NO	NO	YES
Motion to Vacate Speaker Johnson (May 2024)	Voted to table	Voted to table	Voted to table

Laken Riley Act Analysis: This legislation, which became law, requires detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft or burglary. Harder was among 48 Democrats who voted with Republicans, reflecting his position representing a more competitive, swing district. Matsui and Garamendi both voted no, consistent with the majority of House Democrats.

Progressive Punch Scores: The difference in ideological positioning is reflected in lifetime Progressive Punch scores: Matsui and Garamendi both score approximately 95%, while Harder scores around 85%. This 10-point gap reflects Harder's more moderate positioning within the Democratic caucus.

Political Composition of Lodi's Three New Congressional Districts

Positions Important to Lodi Residents

Water Management and Delta Protection

All three representatives have demonstrated strong commitment to protecting Delta communities from water diversions. In May 2025, Representatives Thompson, Matsui, Garamendi, DeSaulnier, and Harder issued a joint letter opposing Governor Newsom's Delta Tunnel proposal:

"The Delta Tunnel poses a grave threat to the environmental, economic, and cultural well-being of communities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. From exacerbating water quality issues for our local agriculture and wildlife to creating water scarcity, this project's unintended consequences will be a calamity in our communities."

In December 2025, the representatives jointly condemned the Trump Administration's "Action 5" plan to increase water pumping from the Delta:

"Unfortunately, rather than striking a fair balance between Californians, farmers, and wildlife, Action 5 could cause irreparable harm to Delta communities and ecosystems."

Josh Harder's Specific Actions

• Reintroduced the "Stop the Delta Tunnel Act" in February 2025
• Held multiple town halls amplifying Valley farmers' concerns
• Led demonstrations at the State Capitol alongside agriculture leaders

Agriculture and Wine Industry

Lodi's wine industry—encompassing approximately 85,000-100,000 acres of vineyards generating over $300 million annually—faces unprecedented challenges from declining consumer demand and global oversupply.

Josh Harder's Agriculture Focus

• Serves on House Appropriations Committee with jurisdiction over USDA programs
• Successfully advocated for Lodi grape growers' eligibility in USDA crop insurance programs
• Introduced bipartisan legislation on food labeling for foreign foods
• Member of Task Force on Agriculture and Nutrition

Doris Matsui and John Garamendi

• Neither currently serves on agriculture-related committees
• Both have supported broader Central Valley water policies beneficial to agriculture

Clean Energy and Economic Development

The Lodi Energy Center Hydrogen Project, which would have been the only clean hydrogen facility of its kind in Northern California, lost $35 million in federal funding following Trump Administration cuts in October 2025.

Josh Harder's Response

• Immediately demanded funding restoration
• Sent letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright
• Emphasized the project would "lower energy bills, create over 200 jobs, and clean up our air"

Doris Matsui's Clean Energy Leadership

• Co-Chair of House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition
• Secured $127.5 million SMUD Smart Grid grant
• Authored Diesel Emissions Reduction Act

Infrastructure and Flood Protection

Lodi faces significant flood vulnerability, with SR-99 through the city identified as a "high-priority infrastructure asset" due to its location within the 500-year floodplain and role as a key evacuation route. Recent neighborhood flooding incidents have damaged properties and frustrated residents.

John Garamendi's Infrastructure Focus

• Senior member of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• Played key role in crafting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
• Authored provisions strengthening "Buy America" requirements
• Secured $20 million for local transportation priorities

How Lodi Compares to District Composition

District 7 (Matsui) — Sacramento Metropolitan Core

District 7 is centered on Sacramento, the state capital, with a population of approximately 762,568. The district includes:

• Downtown Sacramento and urban core
• Elk Grove (incorporated city)
• Galt (closest community to Lodi in the district)
• West Sacramento
• California Delta communities

Demographics and Economy

• Cook PVI: D+16 (solidly Democratic)
• Democratic registration advantage: 27.5 points
• Economy: Government employment, healthcare, technology, clean energy
• Urban/suburban character contrasts with Lodi's more agricultural identity

Lodi's position: Lodi residents in District 7 will be part of a predominantly urban district where government and technology sectors dominate. Agricultural concerns may receive less priority compared to urban issues like transit, housing, and government employment.

District 8 (Garamendi) — Bay Area Communities

District 8 encompasses portions of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, including:

• Vallejo
• Fairfield
• Richmond
• Parts of Martinez
• Delta communities

Demographics and Economy

• Population: approximately 752,009
• Cook PVI: D+10 or higher
• Economy: Port activities, manufacturing, military installations (Travis AFB), healthcare
• Strong union presence in industrial sectors

Lodi's position: Lodi residents in District 8 are geographically distant from the district's core communities in the Bay Area. However, Garamendi's Delta expertise and long advocacy for water issues provides strong alignment with Lodi's agricultural interests.

District 9 (Harder) — San Joaquin County Agricultural Hub

District 9 covers most of San Joaquin County and small portions of Stanislaus and Contra Costa Counties:

• Stockton (county seat, 320,804 population)
• Tracy (93,000)
• Manteca (83,498)
• Lodi (67,258)
• Ripon, Escalon, Mountain House

Demographics and Economy

• Cook PVI: D+3 to D+5 (competitive swing district)
• District voted for Trump in 2024 while electing Harder
• Economy: Transportation/warehousing (19.8%), agriculture (7.2%), healthcare, manufacturing
• Unemployment: 6.7% (July 2025), higher than state average

Lodi's position: Lodi shares fundamental economic and demographic characteristics with District 9's core communities. The wine industry, agricultural economy, and Central Valley identity align closely with Harder's district focus. However, as a swing district, Lodi residents may benefit from heightened attention due to competitive electoral dynamics.

Metric	District 7 (Matsui)	District 8 (Garamendi)	District 9 (Harder)
Core Geography	Sacramento metro	Contra Costa/Solano	San Joaquin County
Character	Urban/suburban	Suburban/industrial	Agricultural/suburban
Key Industries	Government, tech	Ports, military	Warehousing, agriculture
Electoral Lean	Safe D (+16)	Safe D (+10)	Competitive D (+3)
2024 Rep. Margin	66.8%	74.0%	54.8%
Alignment with Lodi	Moderate	Moderate (water)	Strong (economy, ag)

Implications for Lodi Residents

Potential Benefits

1. Triple Advocacy: Three congressional offices working on Lodi issues instead of one
2. Committee Diversity: Access to Energy & Commerce, Transportation, Armed Services, and Appropriations committees
3. Competitive District Attention: District 9's swing status may incentivize Harder to prioritize constituent services

Potential Challenges

1. Fragmented Representation: No single representative accountable for all Lodi issues
2. Diluted Influence: Lodi represents a smaller share of each district's population
3. Coordination Difficulties: Multi-member coordination required for city-wide federal projects
4. Resource Competition: Lodi competes with Sacramento (District 7), Bay Area (District 8), and Stockton (District 9) for representatives' attention

As Mayor Cameron Bregman expressed: "You're dealing with politicians who have to get reelected. They're going to spend time on people who influence that. It's going to dilute that influence in the city of Lodi."

Conclusion

Proposition 50's division of Lodi among three congressional districts represents a significant shift in federal representation for the community. While Josh Harder's District 9 offers the closest alignment with Lodi's agricultural identity and economic profile, the city will now require strategic engagement with all three representatives to maximize federal resources and advocacy.

The voting record analysis reveals that Matsui and Garamendi represent a more traditionally progressive approach, while Harder's membership in the Problem Solvers Caucus and occasional bipartisan votes reflect his need to represent a competitive district. All three have demonstrated commitment to Delta water protection—an issue of paramount importance to Lodi's agricultural economy.

For Lodi residents, the new congressional landscape necessitates understanding which issues align with each representative's expertise: Matsui for energy and telecommunications, Garamendi for transportation infrastructure and water policy, and Harder for agricultural appropriations and local economic development. Active engagement with all three offices will be essential to ensure Lodi's interests remain prioritized despite the fragmentation of its federal representation.

References

1. 2025 California Proposition 50 - Wikipedia
2. Committees and Caucuses | Congresswoman Doris Matsui
3. Committees and Caucuses | Congressman John Garamendi
4. YES on Prop 50: FAQ - California Democratic Party
5. Josh Harder - Ballotpedia
6. Prop 50 divides California city into 3 congressional districts - KTVU
7. Josh Harder - Wikipedia
8. Doris Matsui - Wikipedia
9. Doris Matsui - Ballotpedia
10. John Garamendi - Ballotpedia
11. About John Garamendi - Congressman John Garamendi
12. Thompson, Matsui, Garamendi, DeSaulnier and Harder Respond to Governor's Push to Fast Track Delta Tunnel
13. Harder Reintroduces Bill to Stop the Delta Tunnel and Protect Our Water
14. Rep. Garamendi & California Dems Condemn Trump's Plan to Pump Water Out of Delta
15. About | Lodi Growers
16. Lodi CA Business and Economic Development
17. Federal funding cut from massive Lodi clean energy project
18. Harder Demands Restoration of Lodi Energy Project
19. Innovation and Technology: Congresswoman Doris Matsui
20. Garamendi Votes to Pass Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
21. Top Implementation Strategies - San Joaquin Council of Governments
22. California's 7th congressional district - Wikipedia
23. California's 8th congressional district - Wikipedia
24. California's 9th congressional district - Wikipedia
25. San Joaquin County Employment and Jobs (2024-2025) - Lodi 411
26. House Roll Call Vote 6 - Laken Riley Act
27. DeSaulnier, Garamendi Vote Against Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Commit DUIs
28. Health Care | Representative Josh Harder
29. Agriculture | Representative Josh Harder
30. Problem Solvers Caucus - Caucus Members