San Joaquin Supervisor Tom Patti is Running for Congress

San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Patti announced a run for Congress Tuesday. His first campaign ad touts his roots in San Joaquin and his promise to be a “fighter” for the California Dream.

Patti, a Republican, filed FEC paperwork to challenge Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney in California's 9th Congressional District last month. The district is solidly blue, but redistricting could make it more competitive.

Patti has represented District 3 on the Board of Supervisors since 2017. He was arrested in 2018 on suspicion of drunk driving and pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge.

Lately, Patti has been focused on the issue of vaccine mandates in California. He has spoken out in support of In-N-Out’s refusal to verify customers’ vaccination status at its restaurants.

“We stand with In-N-Out Burger,” Patti said in a video last month. “We are proud of you for standing up and fighting against bullies and we respect a person’s choice of what they want and what they do not want in their bodies.”

Patti is also opposed to mask mandates in schools.