Rep. Jim Costa, U.S. Congressman representing California’s 21st district, posted a series of statements on his official Twitter account addressing air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, legislative concerns affecting farmworkers, and a recent Supreme Court decision on voting rights.
On April 29, 2026, Costa emphasized the importance of clean air for his constituents: “Every family and resident in the Valley deserves to breathe clean, healthy air. I was glad to sit down with the San Joaquin @Valleyair to talk through our priorities and how we can deliver real, measurable progress on air quality.”
Later that day, he commented on proposed legislation impacting agricultural workers and environmental standards: “The preemptive language in this bill is problematic. We must ensure that our farmworkers, who are essential partners to our farmers, ranchers, dairy men and women, are protected. At the same time, we want to keep the air in our Valley as safe and clean are possible.”
On April 30, 2026, Costa responded to a Supreme Court ruling related to voting rights: “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a setback for voting rights and fair representation. The Voting Rights Act was passed to stop discrimination at the ballot box, not to be weakened by the courts. Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore”.
Costa has represented California’s 21st District in Congress since 2005 after succeeding Cal Dooley (source). He previously served in both chambers of California’s state legislature from 1978 until 2002. Born in Fresno in 1952 and currently residing there at age 71, Costa holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno.
