About Jeff Denham

Senator Jeff Denham is a conservative leader, valley rancher, successful businessman and family man.  Jeff and Sonia Denham have been married for 16 years and have two children, thirteen year-old Austin and eleven year-old Samantha.

Ag and Business Background

After graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Senator Denham began working in the agriculture field, where he has since started several successful agriculture-based businesses.

A successful businessman and Central Valley almond ranch owner, Senator Denham has focused his efforts on growing California’s economy and keeping jobs in our state, while also improving the state's long-term climate for agriculture and business and working to expand water storage.

Jeff Denham has also been a leading voice in the effort to bring fiscal accountability to Sacramento by reforming and balancing the state budget. His "A" rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association demonstrates his commitment to protect taxpayers.

Public Service

Senator Jeff Denham was elected to California's sprawling 12th Senate District in November of 2002, representing the valley counties of Stanislaus, Madera, Merced, as well as the counties of Monterey, and San Benito counties.   In 2006, voters re-elected Jeff Denham by a landslide margin.

In 2008, Senator Denham refused to vote for a bloated and out of balance state budget. Liberal special interest groups retaliated by organizing and funding a recall campaign against Denham. Voters in his district rewarded Denham for his principled stand by rejecting the recall by a  stunning 76% of the vote.

Military Service

At the age of 17, Senator Denham enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served on active and reserve status for 16 years. He is a recipient of the meritorious service medal for his service in Operation Desert Storm (Iraq) and Operation Restore Hope (Somalia).  Denham was awarded the "Order of  California" for exceptional meritorious service by the California National Guard; the highest award possible given for distinguished service.