California's 10th congressional district

California's 10th congressional district is a United States congressional district in the state of California. It is currently represented in the United States House of Representatives by Democrat Mark DeSaulnier. The district encompasses a significant portion of the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay region, including cities such as Concord, Martinez, and Walnut Creek.

History

The district's boundaries and numerical designation have shifted multiple times throughout California's history due to congressional reapportionment and state redistricting. For much of the late 20th century, the district was located in the Central Valley, represented by figures like Charles Gubser and Bill Thomas. Following the 2000 United States census, the district was relocated to the East Bay. The 2010 United States census and subsequent redistricting by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission further altered its contours, solidifying its current East Bay composition. This area has historical significance as part of the original Rancho Monte del Diablo and was a hub for the oil industry and the wartime home front effort during World War II.

Geography

The district is located within Contra Costa County, spanning the central portion of the county. It includes the majority of the San Ramon Valley and the central Interstate 680 corridor. Major incorporated communities include Concord, the county seat of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, and San Ramon. The district's geography features the Mount Diablo foothills and is bordered by the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta to the north. Key transportation arteries include I-680, State Route 24, and the BART system.

Demographics

The district is one of the most educated and affluent in the nation. A large percentage of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, with many employed in professional, scientific, and technical services linked to the broader San Francisco Bay Area economy. The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with significant non-Hispanic White and Asian populations, particularly of Indian and Chinese descent. There is also a notable Hispanic or Latino community. The economy is bolstered by sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail, with major employers including John Muir Health and the Chevron refinery in Martinez.

Recent election results

The district is considered solidly Democratic. In the 2022 election, incumbent Mark DeSaulnier defeated Republican challenger Ted Howze by a wide margin. This followed a similar victory in the 2020 election over Republican N. Taylor. DeSaulnier first won the seat in the 2014 election following the retirement of longtime Representative George Miller. Presidential election results have also strongly favored the Democratic nominee, with Joe Biden carrying the district by a large margin in 2020 and Hillary Clinton doing the same in 2016.

List of representatives

The following individuals have represented the 10th congressional district of California. The list reflects the district's changing locations. {| class="wikitable" ! Representative ! Party ! Years ! Congress(es) ! Notes |- | John R. Glascock | Democratic | March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1885 | 48th | First representative after district's creation. |- | William Vandever | Republican | March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1891 | 50th–51st | |- | Thomas J. Geary | Democratic | March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1895 | 52nd–53rd | |- | Marion De Vries | Democratic | March 4, 1897 – August 20, 1900 | 55th–56th | Resigned to become a judge on the United States Court of Claims. |- | Charles Gubser | Republican | January 3, 1953 – December 31, 1974 | 83rd–93rd | Resigned early. |- | Bill Thomas | Republican | January 3, 1979 – January 3, 2007 | 96th–109th | Served as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. |- | Ellen Tauscher | Democratic | January 3, 2007 – June 26, 2009 | 110th–111th | Resigned to become Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. |- | John Garamendi | Democratic | November 3, 2009 – January 3, 2013 | 111th–112th | Won special election; redistricted to the 3rd district. |- | Jeff Denham | Republican | January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2019 | 113th–115th | Represented the district when it was in the Central Valley. |- | Josh Harder | Democratic | January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023 | 116th–117th | |- | Mark DeSaulnier | Democratic | January 3, 2023 – Present | 118th | Incumbent; previously represented the 11th district. |}

Category:California's congressional districts