Scheduled to be termed out of the California State Senate next year, Tom Berryhill announced his campaign for the Stanislaus County supervisor seat occupied by District Supervisor Dick Monteith.

Monteith, a former state senator himself, has been representing District 4 area of parts of Modesto will be leaving the board in January 2019.

"I'm very honored to have the endorsement of current District 4 Supervisor Dick Monteith," said Berryhill. "I'll work hard to fill his very large shoes."

A fourth-generation Ceres farmer and currently a state senator, Berryhill has represented Stanislaus County in the California Legislature since 2006. He served as a state assemblyman from 2006 to 2010. He's been hailed by the California Chamber of Commerce for efforts to cut government waste, construct more water storage facilities and improve the job climate in the state.

"We must get our fair share of the tax dollars we send to Sacramento so we increase county public safety resources and adequately fund traffic relief projects," said Berryhill. "And, I'll fight against the liberal elitists who want Stanislaus County to shelter violent, undocumented criminals from deportation."

In addition to Monteith, Berryhill's endorsements for supervisor include Stanislaus County Supervisors Jim DeMartini and Kristin Olsen. He's also been endorsed by Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson.

"I'm honored to have the support of so many Stanislaus County leaders," said Berryhill. "I look forward to working with them to protect Stanislaus County."

Berryhill authored successful legislation cracking down on metal theft - a serious problem costing farmers, businesses, local government and public schools millions of dollars per year in property damage. He also wrote a measure that would end the frivolous environmental lawsuits that cost Valley jobs.

During his time in the Legislature, Berryhill has been recognized by the California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, and awarded the Outstanding Legislator of the Year from the California Small Business Association, the California Sheriffs' Association, and the California Rifle and Pistol Association.

Tom and wife Loretta live in Modesto with their daughter. He is the son of the late California Ag Director and Ceres farmer Clare Berryhill and the brother of former state Assemblyman Bill Berryhill.