Jim Costa 2024 win/ California 21st district race/ Michael Maher vs. Jim Costa/ Fresno election results/ Central Valley politics/ Newslooks/ California/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrat Jim Costa retained his seat in California’s 21st Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Michael Maher with 52% of the vote. Costa, a congressman since 2005, continues to represent parts of Fresno and Tulare counties, including Fresno and Visalia. This closely watched race was one of the final House contests decided in the 2024 midterms.
Jim Costa Secures Victory in Fresno Congressional Race: Quick Looks
- Victory Margin: Jim Costa won with 52% of the vote, while Michael Maher garnered 48%.
- District Profile: Covers parts of Fresno and Tulare counties, including Fresno, Visalia, Sanger, and Dinuba.
- Costa’s Background: A member of Congress since 2005, Costa serves on agriculture and foreign affairs committees.
- Maher’s Profile: Former FBI agent and Navy veteran, Maher lost to Costa by 8 points in 2022.
- GOP Majority: Republicans hold a slim majority in the House for the 119th Congress, with 218 seats.
Democrat Jim Costa Defeats GOP’s Michael Maher in California’s 21st District
Deep Look
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, emerged victorious in a tight race for California’s 21st Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Michael Maher. The Associated Press projected Costa’s win late Friday evening, marking another term for the 72-year-old Democrat, who has held his seat in Congress since 2005.
Election Results and Context
Costa secured 52% of the vote, edging out Maher, who garnered 48%. As of Friday, 92% of the votes had been counted, leaving little room for further shifts. This contest was one of the last unresolved House races of the 2024 midterm elections, solidifying Democratic control of this Central Valley district.
While California’s 21st had been deemed safely Democratic by election analysts, the competitive nature of this race highlighted shifting dynamics in the region. Costa’s victory ensures continued representation for a district encompassing Fresno and parts of Tulare counties, key areas in the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley.
Costa’s Legacy and Legislative Focus
A member of the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate Democrats, Costa has built his reputation on bipartisan collaboration. He serves on the House Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Committees and is also part of the Problem Solvers Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Costa has consistently championed agricultural issues, reflecting the needs of his farming-heavy district. His leadership in addressing water policy, rural development, and trade has cemented his standing among constituents.
“This victory is about continuing to fight for the families and farmers of the San Joaquin Valley,” Costa said in a statement following the AP’s projection.
Maher’s Challenge
Michael Maher, 41, presented himself as a formidable opponent, leveraging his background as a former FBI special agent and Navy veteran. This was Maher’s second attempt to unseat Costa, following a 2022 loss by more than eight percentage points.
Despite narrowing the gap in 2024, Maher fell short in a district where Democrats hold a registration advantage. Maher’s campaign emphasized national security, economic revitalization, and a tougher stance on immigration—issues resonating with a growing conservative base in parts of the district.
District Dynamics and Implications
California’s 21st District spans the majority of the city of Fresno, the north side of Visalia, and smaller communities like Sanger, Kingsburg, Reedley, and Dinuba. The area’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, making issues like water access and labor shortages central to political discourse.
This district has seen increasing competition in recent years as Republican challengers target traditionally Democratic strongholds. While Costa prevailed, the close margin reflects changing voter dynamics in the Central Valley.
National Implications
Costa’s win bolsters the Democratic presence in the House, though Republicans maintain a slim majority with at least 218 seats. This narrow control could be further tested if GOP members resign to join President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
