Herger announces retirement, endorses LaMalfa

Longtime Republican Rep. Wally Herger of Chico announced this morning he is retiring at the end of his term this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Chico, Herger — who has served in Congress since 1987 representing California's 2nd District — endorsed state Sen. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, for his seat.

"My most important concern when making the decision to retire from Congress was that the North State continue to be represented by a conservative who fully understands, and appreciates, our agricultural and natural resources-based economy and who has the proven ability to represent such a vast and unique area," said Herger.

LaMalfa is expected to make his announcement later today.

Born in Sutter Couny, Herger, 66, was elected to the California State Assembly in 1980 and to the United States House of Representatives in 1986. He is a longtime member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the current chairman of the Subcomittee on Health and a leading opponent of Obamacare.

Herger said he plans to "focus on my family and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren before they grow up."

New California legislative and congressional districts adopted in 2011 resulted in Herger losing Yuba-Sutter in his district. Democrat John Garamendi of the California 10th Congressional District would represent Yuba-Sutter if re-elected this year.

Herger's newly renumbered 1st Congressional District stretches from Auburn to the Oregon border, including Colusa, Glenn and Tehama counties.