Progressive Jimmy Fremgen filed paperwork challenging Rep. Doris Matsui for California’s District 7 Congressional seat

Yesterday Progressive Democratic candidate Jimmy Fremgen announced he filed papers officially challenging Rep. Doris Matsui, the nine-term representative who currently serves in the 6th District. With the newly drawn Congressional maps, Matsui will seek another term in the 7th District, which includes Elk Grove, while current 7th District representative Dr. Ami Bera will seek his sixth term in the 6th District.

In a statement, Fremgen said the status quo among the Democratic establishment is unacceptable and is one of the reasons he is challenging Matsui.

“At a time when Americans are more dissatisfied with the direction of the country than ever before, it’s time for new energy,” Fremgen said. “I’ve worked in Congress—including for Rep. Matsui—I know what we should expect from our representatives, and what we’re getting isn’t enough.”

Fremgen noted student loans debt, universal healthcare, homelessness, climate change, and campaign reform, among several issues cited in his announcement that will be his focus. Additionally, he highlighted some of the campaign contributions Matsui received.

“As a member of Congress, I’ll demand accountability from opioid companies for the toll they’ve wrecked on our community instead of taking $125,000 in campaign donations from them as Rep. Matsui has,” he said. “Voters deserve to be represented by someone who will work for them, not the corporate PACs that want to build an oligarchy in the United States.”

Biographical information on Fremgen is available on his campaign website.