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Maher Thinks Votes Will Turn His Way Against Costa
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 weeks ago on
November 6, 2024

Congressmember Jim Costa, D-Fresno (left) leads challenger Michael Maher, R-Kingsburg, but Maher thinks he still has a shot. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

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Michael Maher is optimistic that the remaining votes in his congressional race against incumbent Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will flip his way.

The Kingsburg Republican spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon as the latest election returns showed Costa leading by 1,009 votes, or 0.8%.

“I’m being told by many people we have a very significant path to victory. I think it’s going to be a roller coaster,” Maher said at his Kingsburg campaign office on Wednesday.

He compared his situation with John Duarte (R-Modesto), who was down on Election Day in 2022, before being declared the winner.

“Every time the update has come out, we continue to get closer and closer and closer. And typically, the ballots that do come in later tend to favor the Republican candidate,” Maher said.

First elected in 2004, Costa ran for his 10th term. He hasn’t had a race this close since 2014, when Johnny Tacherra actually went to Washington for orientation but Costa eventually won that race.

Costa’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment by GV Wire.

Lack of Outside Support

Campaign finance records show Costa raising more than double against Maher, at $1.5 million. He also spent twice as much on the campaign.

Maher did not benefit from outside spending from Republican groups like neighboring Republicans David Valadao (R-Kings County) and John Duarte (R-Modesto).

Open Secrets reports only $157 from third-parties supported Maher.

“It is a race that was looked at as an easy win (for Costa). It was a race that hasn’t been on people’s radar. I thought they were missing it. I really feel like nationally we constantly overlook the Central Valley,” Maher said.

How Many Votes Remain?

It is unclear exactly how many votes remain in CA-21, which includes Fresno (78% of voters) and Tulare (22% of voters) counties. The district is 41% Democrats, a 14-point registration advantage over Republicans.

Maher believes there are up to 70,000 ballots outstanding. Paul Mitchell, vice president of election analyst Political Data, said about 100,000.

“And they will shift Democratic,” Mitchell said.

Immigration and Trump

Maher talked about his support for establishing legal identification cards for immigrants.

“This is a way that actually provides a lot more checks and verifications and also is a service to everyone,” Maher said.

He acknowledged that might conflict with the immigration viewpoints of President-elect Donald Trump.

“I hope his immigration views align with mine,” Maher said.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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