Jeff Denham
Jeffrey John Denham (born July 29, 1967) is an American politician, United States Air Force veteran, and businessman. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the U.S. representative for California's 10th congressional district from 2013 to 2019. Denham first won election to the U.S. House in 2010, representing California's 19th congressional district for one term before redistricting led him to run in the 10th district in 2012.
Jeff Denham | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California | |
| In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | George Radanovich |
| Succeeded by | Josh Harder |
| Constituency | 19th district (2011–2013) 10th district (2013–2019) |
| Member of the California Senate from the 12th district | |
| In office December 2, 2002 – November 30, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Dick Monteith |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Cannella |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jeffrey John Denham July 29, 1967 Hawthorne, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Sonia Denham (m. 1993) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Victor Valley College California Polytechnic State University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force U.S. Air Force Reserve |
| Years of service | 1984–1988 (Active) 1988–2000 (Reserve) |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | Operation Desert Storm Operation Restore Hope |
| Awards | Meritorious Service Medal |
From 2002 to 2010, Denham served in the California State Senate, representing the 12th District, which includes Madera, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. Prior to seeking political office, Denham served on active and reserve status in the United States Air Force for 16 years, and served in both Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
During his congressional tenure, Denham was active in immigration issues, notably in the effort to draft and pass legislation that would successfully resolve the status of Dreamers.
Denham was narrowly defeated in his 2018 bid for re-election by Democrat Josh Harder and became a lobbyist for K&L Gates.