SALINAS, Calif. -- A Salinas developer from a prominent agriculture family announced Tuesday that he will run as a write-in candidate in the race for the 17th District congressional seat.

Jeff Taylor said a series of signs has convinced him he can win on Nov. 7, even with such a late campaign start.

He said the no-show status of Republican candidate Anthony DeMaio has created an opportunity.

Plus, he said incumbent Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, has reacted poorly following the recent E. coli outbreak involving Salinas Valley spinach.

Even though Taylor was not elected to be the GOP candidate in this race, party officials are endorsing him because they have not heard from DeMaio since the primary.