[4] Prior to 2013, the GOP last held the seat in 1998 when U.S. Representative Frank Riggs decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

Riggs was replaced by long-time Democratic Assemblyman and State Senator Mike Thompson.

John Kerry won the district in 2004 presidential election with 59.7% of the vote.

Barack Obama carried the district in 2008 presidential election with 65.60% of the vote.

The 1st district takes in the cities of Marysville and Wheatland and the census-designated places of Beale AFB, Linda, Olivehurst, and Plumas Lake.