Rep. Mike Thompson, left, and challenger Eric Jones address attendees during a candidate forum hosted by the Yuba Sutter Farm Bureau at the Yuba County Government Center in Marysville. The candidates discussed agriculture, water, trade, health care and other issues affecting California’s 4th Congressional District. Photo courtesy of Mike Thompson

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Rep. Mike Thompson and challenger Eric Jones laid out competing approaches to agriculture, water, trade, health care and federal representation during a 45-minute candidate forum hosted by the Yuba Sutter Farm Bureau at the Yuba County Government Center.

Thompson’s campaign said about 250 people attended the forum, which brought the candidates for California’s 4th Congressional District before farmers, growers and other community members.

Jones focused much of his case on political independence and argued the district needs a representative who is not tied to party leadership or special interests.

“I am untied. I’m untethered. I have not a single Democratic establishment endorsement. I don’t care about the aisle. Let’s get in the middle and get to work,” Jones said. “We all know it’s not working, and yet we keep sending the same people back to Washington and Sacramento.”

Thompson pointed to his record on agriculture, disaster relief and flood protection.

“I was honored to be invited to participate in a debate by the Yuba Sutter Farm Bureau,” Thompson said. “I was proud to discuss my record of delivering for our ag community and strengthening our rural economies.”

Thompson said farmers face problems stemming from tariffs and cited $9 million in relief for peach growers affected by a cannery closure. He also said he would continue working to secure federal money for flood-control projects in the district.

Jones questioned whether the district has received its share of federal investment. His campaign said neighboring Congressional District 1 received nearly $20 billion in federal investment compared with less than $7 billion for District 4, though the campaign release did not identify the source or time period for the figures. Jones said he would seek assignments on the House Agriculture Committee and other committees affecting farming communities.

Jones also turned to health care, criticizing members of Congress over health care industry campaign contributions and citing a House vote on price transparency.

“We are all one medical diagnosis away from tragedy,” Jones said. “The people in Congress who blocked price transparency know exactly who they are protecting, and it is not the patients.”

Thompson currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, including its health and tax subcommittees, according to his campaign. His campaign said the committee has jurisdiction over health care, taxes, trade, Social Security and income security.

Data center expansion also emerged as an issue during the forum.

“Let me be clear. No more data centers in California,” Jones said, calling for a moratorium and arguing that water supplies, electrical infrastructure and agricultural communities should take priority. Jones’ campaign said Thompson wanted to “pump the brakes” on data center expansion but did not commit to a moratorium.

The redrawn 4th Congressional District includes all or parts of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, Sonoma, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties. Thompson is seeking reelection against Jones.

The full candidate forum can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyquRBQtoc4.