U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, who has represented San Benito County the past 23 years in Congress, announced he will not seek reelection next year.
Farr made the announcement, that he won’t seek a 13th term, during a speech last week at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas.
Farr has been most known for his support of ocean-related causes and other environmental issues. In 2013, President Obama signed Farr’s bill to change Pinnacles National Monument in San Benito County into the nation’s 59th national park.
Following Farr’s announcement last Thursday, Monterey County prosecutor Jimmy Panetta announced Tuesday he will vie for the seat as a Democrat. Pannetta, son of former Congressman and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, is the first Democrat to officially announce a run to face Republican Casey Lucius on the ballot next year.
