Rep. Raul Ruiz Addresses Redistricting

Congressman Dr. Ruiz Statement of California Redistricting Commission Maps

With redistricting maps finalized, U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, a Democrat who lives in La Quinta with an office in Palm Desert, plans to run in a new district that will encompass the eastern Coachella Valley, all of Imperial County and a small portion of eastern San Bernardino County.

“Tonight’s finalized maps solidify my intent to run in the district I currently represent, which includes Coachella, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Blythe, Hemet, and San Jacinto.

My roots are in Coachella, and the issues of social justice, and disparities in health care and opportunity are what motivated me to run in the first place.

While I am disappointed that the commission chose to separate Coachella Valley and am heartbroken that I will no longer represent one Valley, I remain a strong advocate for the issues and people that unite us.

I am excited about the opportunity to continue representing my hometown of Coachella and look forward to earning the votes of the great people of Imperial County and Needles.”

Ruiz has represented the entire Coachella Valley since unseating Republican Mary Bono in 2012,

There has been some speculation that Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia will challenge him but no word from Garcia at this point.