Jeremy Fox is not your traditional candidate, as he states on “Jeremy for Congress CA-20,” his campaign website.
Fox is running against incumbent Congressman Vince Fong, and two other challengers, Democrat Sandra Van Scotter and fellow independent Ben Dewell.
“I am neither a Republican or a Democrat,” Fox said. “I believe both parties have their own unique problems and should just be done away with.”
The Visalia Times-Delta asked Fox seven questions to get a better understanding of what he stands for and why he is running.
Who is Jeremy Fox? Please tell us a little bit about your life.
I was born in Sacramento. I’ve lived in California almost my whole life. I did spend a brief amount of time in Colorado, but I came back when I got sick. I do have multiple sclerosis. I cannot walk.
It makes things interesting, but I’m still getting around canvassing and going, doing door-to-door stuff, meeting potential constituents, and they are sure happy when they see someone local because they all remind me that Congressman Fong has not shown up or responded to them at all.
What inspired you to run for Congress?
Specifically, it was when the current administration got into office and spilled 2.2 billion gallons out of our local lakes.
How would Congressman Fox be different than Congressman Fong?
I would hold town halls and show up locally and respond to the constituents of this district. I believe that has been really lacking. Congressman Fong has held no town halls or meetings or virtual visits or done any of that.
I believe there could be much better outreach to constituents.
What qualifications do you have that voters should be aware of?
Government-wise, I can’t name them, but I have some family that works in Washington, on the Hill actually, and they’ve kept me pretty apprised.
Other than that … I believe that the government is supposed to be for the people, and that’s what I learned in AP history, which is what I’m going on. AP U.S. history is where I learned the most about the Constitution all those years ago.
What are the main issues or challenges facing the district?
This district’s got a lot of challenges. We have transportation issues. We have water issues. We’re definitely an ag area.
The 20th District has three military bases, Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Weapons Test Center at China Lake, and Naval Air Station Lemoore, so there’s military issues in this district.
Where do we not have issues?
There are energy issues in this district. We have every kind of issue in this district. That’s a cop-out answer, though. Transportation, water, and ag are my biggest ones.
Are you willing to debate, Congressman Fong?
Yes, I am.
Is there anything else you want to add about your candidacy?
Be sure and visit my website, jeremy4ca20.com.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Independent Jeremy Fox challenges Congressman Fong in CA-20
Reporting by Steve Pastis, Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
