In 2002, Senator Jeff Denham was elected to represent California’s 12th Senate District, which includes Madera, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Stanislaus counties. He was re-elected in 2006 to serve a second term. Now in his eighth year in office, Jeff has focused his efforts on education, agriculture and job creation. He has also been a leading voice in the effort to reduce government waste in Sacramento, better utilize state surplus assets and crack down on sexual predators.

In June 2008, Senator Denham defeated a recall by 76 percent of the vote.  The recall was initiated by then Senate Pro Tem Don Perata because Jeff refused to vote for a tax increase and an unbalanced budget.

Known for his tough stance against raising taxes, Jeff has received several honors including “Legislator of the Year” by the California Small Business Association, an A+ score from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association and a 100% perfect score with the California Taxpayers’ Association for his voting record.

Jeff was recognized by the California State Sheriffs’ Association as “Legislator of the Year” in 2004 and “Outstanding Legislator” in 2005, and received the California Teachers Association “Gold Award” in 2005.

In addition, Jeff was honored as California State Sheriff's Association’s "Outstanding Legislator for 2008,"as Crime Victims United's "2008 Legislator of the Year” and AMVETS named Jeff as its "Legislator of the Year for 2009."

Enlisting at the age of 17, Jeff served on active and reserve status for 16 years in the Air Force and is a recipient of the meritorious service medal for his service in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope. In 2006, he was honored by the California National Guard with the highest military award, the “Order of California” service award, for distinguished service.

After graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Jeff chose the agriculture industry for a career and now owns and operates Denham Plastics, the leading supplier of reusable containers in the agriculture industry. He and his family also farm almonds at their ranch in Merced County.

Jeff has been married to his wife, Sonia, for 16 years and has two children, 14-year-old Austin and 11-year-old Samantha.

Currently, Jeff serves as the chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and vice chair of Senate Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments, and serves on the Senate Appropriations and Senate Governmental Organization Committees.