As an active, lifelong Central Valley resident and farmer, Andy Vidak has developed a keen understanding of the economic and water issues that have created the current financial crisis that plagues California today.

Andy has worked closely with agricultural advocacy groups such as Families Protecting the Valley.  He's also taken leadership roles in developing new approaches and solutions to the water, economic and regulatory problems that hamper the Central Valley.

Andy Vidak has shown himself to be a capable campaigner.  In 2010, he nearly upset the incumbent congressman, despite being outspent by more than $1 million.

The state senate seat came open when Democrat Michael Rubio quit after less than two and a half years of his term to take a job with Chevron Corp.  With two other Democratic state senators having quit to go to Congress, the two-thirds supermajority has temporarily vanished.

The 16th District runs down the west side of the Central Valley, including Highway I-5, Hanford, and parts of Fresno and Bakersfield (see the map).  This is the pre-redistricting district, whose lines are in effect until the end of 2014.

The leading Democrat in the race is Leticia Perez, a newly elected Kern County supervisor.  Some of her supporters are unhappy that she is already looking to leave that job.  Though she calls herself a moderate, the UC Santa Barbara-educated former public defender lists her lead endorsements from labor unions and partisan Democrats.  There are also three lesser candidates in the race.

Andy Vidak was born in Visalia, California.  His father, Jim, is the long-time Tulare County Superintendent of Schools.  Andy and his siblings are the third generation of his family born and raised in the Valley.

The oldest of five children, Andy graduated from Redwood High School in 1984.  He attended Visalia's College of the Sequoias and California State University at Fresno before graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Business.

After college, Andy returned to the Central Valley, where he worked in the produce industry for a number of farming and packing operations. He developed a reputation as a dedicated, results-oriented manager, and his hard work was rewarded when he became a partner in a lettuce cooling operation in San Joaquin.

In 1997, after Andy scrimped and saved what he earned working in agriculture, he bought his own property west of the city of Hanford in Kings County where he lives and grows cherries. He's also a rancher who raises cattle in Tulare County.

You can learn more about Andy's campaign on his campaign website.

Several Bay Area county Republican Parties are arranging activities in support of Andy Vidak's special election race.  Here are the ones that we are aware of by our deadline.  We will update this information on the Vidak for Senate Page on our website.

Solano GOP Phonebank for Andy Vidak
Saturday, May 4, 2013 / 10:00 am
Headquarters, 625 Jackson St., Fairfield

Join the Solano Republicans at a phonebank for State Senate candidate Andy Vidak. Phoning will run from 10am to 2pm. Call Headquarters at 707-422-5000 to sign up. We only have a three weekends to make this happen.

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Sonoma County GOP Phonebank and Precinct Walking for Andy Vidak
Saturday, May 18, 2013 / 10:00 am
Office building, 1421 Guerneville Road, Suite 106, Santa Rosa

The Sonoma County Republican Party will host phonebanks for Andy Vidak from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19.

In addition, a walk team will also be heading to the district on the final weekend, Sat-Sun, May 18-19. To sign up for calling or walking or for more information, contact [email protected] or 707-228-8331.

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Precinct Walking for Andy Vidak

The Vidak Campaign is looking for volunteers to travel to the District, walk precincts, and deliver a victory.

Volunteers are welcome to come on any day of the week.  There is some limited housing available at the homes of volunteers in the District.  As the campaign does not have the funds to cover hotel costs, volunteers are responsible for that payment.  It's about a 3 hour drive down there from the Bay Area, so volunteers could do a day trip.

If you'd like to volunteer in the district, RSVP to Julie Griffiths at 559-213-2240 or [email protected].

If any volunteers need a lift there, you may check with your county chair or email Regional Vice Chair Kevin Krick at [email protected] to see what carpooling opportunities are available.  The closest campaign office is the Fresno office.  Walking is also being done from Hanford.

Vidak for Senate Fresno Campaign Office
2767 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 126
Fresno, CA 93711
Office Contact:  Ben Berquam at 559-618-1109.

San Jose District 1 Community Budget Meeting with Pete Constant
Thursday, May 2, 2013 / 6:30 pm
Archbishop Mitty High School, Aymar Events Center, 5000 Mitty Way (at Moorpark Ave.), San Jose

San Jose Councilmember Pete Constant and Mayor Chuck Reed will host their annual District 1 Community Budget Meeting. Learn more about San Jose's budget process and provide your input. The agenda will include a summary of the proposed budget and ample time for comments or questions from citizens.  Find out more ...

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Alameda GOP 20th & 25th Assembly District Caucus Meeting with Karan Healy and Sara Volking
Thursday, May 2, 2013 / 7:00 pm
Century 21 Mission Bishop Real Estate, 39180 Liberty Street, Fremont

Join the Alameda County Republican Party 20th/25th Assembly District Caucus for their monthly Pot Luck & Meeting. Karan Healy and Sara Volking will present information on how to conduct successful voter registration drives.  Find out more ...

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Marin GOP Lincoln Dinner with Jim Brulte
Friday, May 3, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Marin Country Club, 500 Country Club Drive, Novato

The Marin County Republican Party invite you to their Annual Lincoln Dinner. The special guest will be newly elected California GOP Chairman Jim Brulte. Jim will share his vision as to how we as Republicans can unite to rebuild the party here in California as well as make a difference locally in Marin.  Find out more ...

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Ygnacio Valley RWF Annual Brunch
Sunday, May 5, 2013 / 11:00 am
Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton

You are invited to the Ygnacio Valley Republican Women's Annual "Spring Fling Bling" brunch and fashion show by Coldwater Creek. Shop at their Boutique, win door and cash prizes.  $40 per person.  Find out more ...

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Contra Costa GOP Reception with Jim Brulte
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / 5:30 pm
Vic Stewart's, 850 South Broadway, Walnut Creek

The Honorable John Herrington, former Secretary of Energy and former CRP Chairman, and Becky Kolberg, Contra Costa Republican Party Chairman, cordially invite you to a reception honoring California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte. He served 14 years in the California State Legislature, before leaving office to join California Strategies.  $25 per person.  Find out more ...

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Education Rights Group Presents Dr. Gloria Romero
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Castro Valley Library, Chabot Room, 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Castro Valley

The Education Rights Group will host a discussion with Dr. Gloria Romero, California Director of Democrats for Education Reform. While in the State Senate, Dr. Romero successfully authored the Parent Trigger Law that allows a simple majority of parents to take over a failing school. She will discuss the pros and cons of public charter schools.  Find out more ...

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The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley Presents Bill Whittle
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / 6:15 pm
IFES Portuguese Hall, 432 Stierlin Road, Mountain View

The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley welcomes Bill Whittle, a conservative political commentator and American heritage philosopher.  He interprets complex issues with humor and historical example.  He will speak on "Civilization in Crisis".  Doors open at 6:15pm, program starts at 7:00pm.  Find out more ...

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Monterey Peninsula RWF Luncheon with Orlean Koehle
Thursday, May 9, 2013 / 11:30 am
Rancho Canada, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel

Monterey Peninsula Republican Women Federated will host their monthly luncheon with guest speaker Orlean Koehle, State President of Eagle Forum of California and author of Common Core, the Trojan Horse for Education Reform. She will be speaking on Agenda 21 and the Common Core Curriculum.  Find out more ...

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Tri-Valley RWF Dinner with Mimi Steel
Thursday, May 9, 2013 / 6:30 pm
Cattlemens Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore

Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated will host a meeting with guest speaker Mimi Steel.  Steel is a property rights activist and founder of Bay Area Citizens for Sustainable Liberty.  Reservations required.  Find out more ...

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MavPAC Happy Hour with Rep. Jason Chaffetz
Friday, May 10, 2013 / 5:00 pm
Raven Bar, 1151 Folsom Street, San Francisco

Maverick PAC Bay Area will host a Happy Hour with special guest Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah). They invite you to come meet one of Congress' rising stars on technology issues. The congressman will discuss his leadership on high-skilled immigration reform and the SOPA/PIPA debate, among other issues.  Find out more ...

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San Mateo County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
Friday, May 10, 2013 / 6:00 pm
The Elks Lodge, 229 W. 20th Avenue, San Mateo

Join the San Mateo County Republican Party at their Lincoln Day Dinner with featured speakers Jim Brulte, CRP Chairman, and Ruben Barrales, President of Grow Elect. Musical entertainment will be provided by Diana Nagy.  Find out more ...

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Napa GOP Quarterly Dinner Meeting with Barbara Nemko
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Filippi's Pizza Grotto, 645 First Street, Napa

Join the Napa County Republican Central Committee for their Quarterly Dinner Meeting. The guest speaker will be Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Superintendent of Schools.  Cost: $25 per person.  Find out more ...

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SVARW Breakfast with Kevin McGary
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 / 9:00 am
La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive, Los Gatos

Join the Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women as they feature a presentation by Kevin McGary, President of The Frederick Douglass Foundation. McGary will discuss his plan for Republicans to regroup and win elections in the future.  Cost: $15 includes continential breakfast.  Find out more ...

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Event to Support David Haubert for Dublin City Council
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 / 5:00 pm
Johnny Garlic's, 4920 Dublin Blvd., Dublin

Dublin Council Member David Haubert invites you to a Happy Hour event in support of his Officeholder Committee.  Find out more ...

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Santa Clara County GOP Lincoln Reception with Connie Conway and Jim Brulte
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Lexus of Stevens Creek, 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose

The Santa Clara County Republican Party invites you to their 2013 Lincoln Reception. The reception will be headlined by Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway and California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte. Special guests include Former Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado, San Jose City Councilmembers Pete Constant and Johnny Khamis, and other local elected officials.  Find out more ...

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Lamorinda RWF Fashion Show Luncheon Fundraiser
Thursday, May 16, 2013 / 11:15 am
Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda

The Lamorinda Republican Women, Federated invite you to their Fashion Show Luncheon Fundraiser, benefitting Sentinels of Freedom and Blue Star Moms. Music, opportunity drawing and surprises! 11:15 AM Social, noon Lunch.

Cost: $50 per person with Lunch. Register by phone by Friday, May 10.  Find out more ...

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Alameda County GOP Lincoln Dinner with Jim Brulte & Harmeet Dhillon
Thursday, May 16, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Marriott Pleasanton, 11950 Dublin Canyon Road, Pleasanton

The Alameda County Republican Party and Honorary Co-Host Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne invite you to their Lincoln Day Dinner featuring CRP Chair Jim Brulte and CRP Vice Chair Harmeet Dhillon. Their topic will be "What Comes Next For Our California Republican Party?"

Another special guest will be Ruben Barrales, CEO of Grow Elect, an organization formed to elect Hispanic Republicans to local officers in California.  Find out more ...

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Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association Present Joe Banister
Thursday, May 16, 2013 / 6:15 pm
Harry's Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose

You are invited to attend the Third Thursday Taxpayers Toolkit meeting hosted by the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association. The featured speaker will be Joe Banister, former special agent with the IRS.  Find out more ...

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The Conservative Forum Invites You To "Hating Breitbart"
Friday, May 17, 2013
Camera 3 Cinema, 288 S. Second Street, San Jose

The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley has purchased 50 coupons for the movie "Hating Breitbart" - coming to San Jose theaters. They will have them available for $6 at their May 7th event in Mountain View. The coupons allow the holder to buy a ticket at the theater for any showing but they suggest opening night, May 17.  Find out more ...

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Novato RWF to Host "Strolling Into Spring" Fashion Show
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 / 11:00 am
Marin Country Club, 500 Country Club Drive, Novato

To celebrate and help promote Novato businesses, the Novato Republican Women, Federated will host "Strolling Into Spring" fashion show and luncheon. The event will showcase apparel by Anne's Secret Hang Ups, a boutique owned and operated by Anne Wade in Novato's Old Town.  Tickets are $50, and reservations are required.  Find out more ...

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PRI Luncheon and Book Signing with Amity Shlaes
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 / 12:00 Noon
Omni Hotel, 500 California Street, San Francisco

The Pacific Research Institute will host a book signing and luncheon featuring Amity Shlaes, New York Times best selling author and syndicated columnist for Bloomberg View. She will be presenting her book Coolidge.  Cost is $50 per person.  Find out more ...

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Marin RWF Luncheon Featuring Debra J. Saunders
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 / 11:30 am
The Club at McInnis, 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael

The Marin Republican Women, Federated will host a luncheon with featured speaker Debra J. Saunders, Opinion Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle. Saunders will speak on "The Conservative Voice in our Liberal Media - Today's Top News Stories".

RSVP: Reservations must be received by May 17. Price: $25. Find out more ...

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San Francisco GOP Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner with Dinesh D'Souza
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 / 6:00 pm
The City Club of San Francisco , 155 Sansome Street, 11th Floor, San Francisco

The San Francisco Republican Party will hold their Lincoln/Reagan Dinner featuring award winning author and documentary director Dinesh D'Souza. Last year's dinner was full to capacity, so be sure to buy your tickets before they run out.  Find out more ...

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Sonoma GOP Day At The Range Target Shoot & Training Fundraiser
Saturday, May 25, 2013 / 8:00 am
Pisenti Ranch, Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

The Sonoma County Republican Party hosts a Day At The Range Target Shoot & Training Fundraiser from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Target shooting with trainers available. This event is perfect for the Veteran or the Newbie. There will be a trainer on-site with a variety of firearms that you can try, or feel free to use your own. No firearm or experience necessary.  Find out more ...