CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Gary A. Condit (D) | 121,003 | 67% |
| Steve Wilson (R) | 56,465 | 31% |
| Page Roth Riskin (NL) | 2,860 | 2% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 7, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Gary A. Condit | 80,543 | 65% |
| Rodger McAfee | 6,142 | 5% |
| | Natural Law |
| Page Roth Riskin | 1,262 | 1% |
| | Republican |
| Steve Wilson | 35,335 | 29% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
CALIFORNIA 18
:
Central Valley - Modesto; Merced
The 18th includes central California's Stanislaus and Merced counties,
which together account for roughly 95 percent of its vote, and also slivers
of San Joaquin and Madera counties. Politically, the district is highly
competitive, despite a substantial Democratic voter registration edge. While
Hispanics and Asians have been moving into the 18th in large numbers, they
have yet to exercise commensurate influence in the voting booth.
Modesto, the Stanislaus County seat, has grown substantially over the
years, spurred both by businesses fleeing California's congested coastal
cities and by the Central Valley's successful agricultural industry. The
18th includes some of the world's most varied and productive farming.
Modesto also has its own canning and food processing industry, as well as
the Gallo Winery, which is responsible for about one-fourth of the domestic
wine market.
In this agricultural district, local issues tend to revolve around water
availability and the preservation of farmland. The seasonal economy and the
early-1990s closure of Castle Air Force Base in Merced have contributed to
higher unemployment rates than in other parts of California, but the area
expects an economic boost with the planned opening of the U. of California
Merced in 2000.
Major Industry
Agriculture, wine, food processing
Population
571,358 (1990)
Cities
Modesto, 182,700; Merced, 62,100; Turlock, 50,900; Ceres, 32,250 (1998
est.)
People
52% urban; 10% age 65+ (ranks 32 of 52 in state; bottom third
nationally); 61% married couples, 33% married couples with children; 12%
college educated (ranks 46 of 52 in state; bottom third nationally); 48%
white collar (ranks 46 of 52 in state; bottom third nationally), 31% blue
collar (ranks 10 of 52 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
76% white, 3% black, 6% Asian; 26% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$28,324 (ranks 45 of 52 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Modesto depicted in the George Lucas film, "American Graffiti"; Gallo Winery
is the world's largest winery.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
Front | Political News | Elections | The Issues | Federal Page | Polls
Columns - Cartoons | Live Online | Online Extras | Photo Galleries | Video - Audio
|
District 18
