Jimmy Panetta has his sights set on taking back the 20th district congressional seat once held by his father Leon Panetta, who recently served as Secretary of Defense in the Obama administration. The incumbent, Democrat Sam Farr, is retiring.
Calbuzz reports that Panetta immediately came out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal, despite the fact that California’s wine and agricultural industries are strongly in favor of the agreement, as are other California industries.
Panetta, the Monterey County Deputy District Attorney, announced his candidacy on Tuesday in a move that has been anticipated for years, according to local news station KSBW. Panetta is noted the youngest of Leon Panetta’s three sons.
Farr has held his congressional seat for over 20 years. The seat in comprised of portions of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
After Farr announced his intention to not seek re-election, the race was on for who would make a move to fill the seat. Other challengers have yet to step forward. Panetta holds an advantage in name I.D.
The seat holds a significant Democratic Party advantage that may allow for a Republican or Independent to make it through to the general election in California’s jungle primary, but will be tough for a non-Democratic candidate to break through in the general, especially with Panetta in the race.
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