George Radanovich

George Radanovich
Born	(1955-06-20) June 20, 1955 Mariposa, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, vintner, banker, substitute teacher, construction laborer
Years active	1988–2011 (politics)
Known for	U.S. Representative for California's 19th congressional district (1995–2011)

George Purdy Radanovich (born June 20, 1955) is a former American legislator who represented California's 19th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until 2011. His constituency encompassed the majority of northern Fresno along with adjacent rural regions northeast of the city. A member of the Republican Party, he opted not to run for another term in 2010.

Background

Born in Mariposa, California into a Catholic family with Croatian heritage, Radanovich pursued higher education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Following graduation, he held various positions including banker, substitute teacher, and construction laborer before identifying the advantageous microclimate of Mariposa County for viticulture in 1982. He established Radanovich Winery in 1986, marking it as the first winery in that area. Between 1988 and 1992, he served on the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, assuming the chairmanship in 1991. After an unsuccessful attempt at a congressional primary in 1992, he secured the Republican nomination in 1994 and defeated incumbent Democrat Richard H. Lehman, who had served six terms, by a margin of 17 percentage points—a notable victory amid widespread Democratic defeats that year.

In response to financial difficulties impacting California's wine producers and to concentrate on his legislative responsibilities, Radanovich closed his winery in 2003. The shutdown highlighted industry-wide challenges such as market oversaturation and economic hardship.

During the 2006 election cycle, Radanovich encountered his most formidable opponent since his initial election: chemical engineer T. J. Cox. Despite this challenge, he was reelected with 60% of the vote. In 2008, he ran without opposition in what was considered one of California's most reliably Republican districts. Cox later succeeded in winning a congressional seat representing the 21st district in 2018.

On December 29, 2009, Radanovich declared that he would not pursue reelection in the forthcoming 2010 elections.

Life after congress

In the 2022 election cycle, Radanovich sought a seat in California's 4th State Senate district but was eliminated after finishing third during the primary round.

In 2024, he led the primary race for California's 8th Assembly district but was ultimately defeated by fellow Republican David Tangipa in the general election.

Votes and positions

He held the position of president for the Republican freshman class elected in 1994, endorsed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and was affiliated with the Republican Study Committee.

• On October 6, 2005: Cast a vote supporting the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security.
• On December 14, 2005: Voted to renew authorization for the Patriot Act.
• On June 16, 2006: Opposed setting deadlines for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.
• On September 29, 2008: Supported passage of the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" (commonly known as the Paulson Bailout Bill).

Committee assignments

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection (Ranking Member)
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Caucuses

• Water Caucus (Co-Chair)
• Congressional Wine Caucus (Co-Chair)
• Congressional Croatian Caucus (Co-Chair)

Family

He was married to Ethie Weaver Radanovich from November 1996 until her passing due to ovarian cancer in February 2010. The couple had one son named King.

External links

• Jim Boren, The Fresno Bee, May 25, 1994, p. B3, article 8
• Is Radanovich vulnerable? Jim Boren, The Fresno Bee, February 18, 2006