U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson on Wednesday officially filed for reelection in the newly drawn Fifth Congressional District.

The district includes all or parts of Lake, Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Contra Costa counties.

Thompson has been endorsed by leaders in all five counties. The endorsements include Democrats and Republicans, and leaders from business, agriculture, labor, local government, education, public safety, health care, and the environmental, senior and veterans’ communities.

So far, no opponents have filed candidacy papers to run against him for the seat, according to federal election filings.

“I am proud and excited to be seeking re-election in the newly drawn Fifth Congressional District of California, and I am honored by the support I have received from folks throughout our district,” said Thompson.

“From Lake County to Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Contra Costa, I will continue my fight to create jobs and strengthen our middle class, bring fiscally responsible solutions to the federal government, protect our seniors by strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and make sure our veterans and military families receive the benefits they’ve earned,” he added.

Thompson was born, grew up and still lives in the district.

“I have had the honor and great pleasure to represent Lake County for the entire time I have served in public office,” he said. “Both the county and the people are fantastic and we've worked well together and enjoyed many successes.

“While I am sad the Redistricting Commission choose to split Lake County between two Congressional districts, I am thankful that half of Lake County will remain in our district,” he said. “I don't believe you can work for half a county, so I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen all of Lake County’s communities and deliver solutions to the challenges we face.”

Thompson said hard working families across the district are looking for a fair shake. “They want to know that if they work hard and play by the rules then they will be able to put food on the table and gas in their car, make their mortgage payment, send their kids to college and pay for retirement. That’s the fair shake I am fighting for in Washington. It’s what our families, children and grandchildren deserve. And it’s what made America great.

“In the past, folks knew that making this fair shake a reality meant committing to shared responsibility – if we shared in the responsibility of building a great nation then we would share in the success of a great nation,” he said. It’s time we make that commitment again. That is what this election is about. That is how we build a strong and sustainable American future.”

In order to file for election a candidate must gather 40 to 60 nomination signatures.

In Lake County, Thompson’s nomination has been signed or endorsed by: Jim Brown, Veterans Service officer and director of the Lake County Health Services Department; County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox; Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook; Walt and Madelene Lyon; Lakeport businesswoman Karan Mackey; Peggy McCloud; David and Bonnie Weiss; Peter and Kathy Windrem; and Lake County Supervisors Jim Comstock, Tony Farrington and Denise Rushing.

While some of the district is new, Thompson has represented large portions of the district in the past. He has received strong support throughout all the communities in the district.

Other elected officials, organizations, business and community leaders supporting Thompson’s nomination include U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Congressman George Miller, Congressman John Garamendi, Sen. Mark Desaulnier, Sen. Lois Wolk, Assemblymember Susan Bonilla and Assemblymember Mariko Yamada.

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