Career
He was the Republican nominee for Congress from California"s 18th congressional district in the 2010 general election. The election pit Berryhill against 4-term Democrat Representative Dennis Cardoza. While the 18th district leans only slightly Democratic, having a Cook PVI Doctorate+4, Cardoza only faced serious competition in 2002, when he was first elected to the seat.
This race is considered competitive in 2010 because of Mike"s experience in local agriculture, his family name, and the current political climate.
Berryhill comes from a Republican political family that"s well known in the San Joaquin Valley. Mike’s Uncle, Clare Berryhill, served in both houses of the California State Legislature and also served as director of the California Department of Food and Agriculture under Governor George Deukmejian.
Mike was president of Young Farmers and Ranchers of California and elected to the Turlock Irrigation District Board.
