Rep. David Valadao is seeking a seventh term against Democrat Randy Villegas in California’s 22nd District, where a redrawn map could give Democrats an advantage, the Associated Press reported.
California’s certified results show Valadao led the June 2, 2026, primary with 32,491 votes, or 40.7%. Villegas received 25,808 votes, or 32.4%, and Jasmeet Bains got 21,458, or 26.9%. The state advances the top two finishers to the general election regardless of party.
The Associated Press reported that California’s new congressional map responded to Republican redistricting efforts elsewhere, including in Texas. It said the map favors Democrats and may make races tougher for Republican incumbents such as Valadao.
Valadao’s family has agricultural ties in the Central Valley. His father began a dairy there in 1973, according to Valadao’s House biography. The family now runs two dairies and farms more than 1,000 acres in Kings County. Valadao’s campaign lists agriculture, water and health care as priorities. Its platform supports Central Valley farmers and dependable water supplies, and says he favors lowering health care costs while preserving access for vulnerable groups.
Valadao entered the California Assembly in 2010 and was elected to Congress in 2012. He represented the 21st Congressional District from 2013 to 2018, lost his seat in 2018 and won it back in 2020.
On Jan. 13, 2021, Valadao was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The House approved the resolution 232-197. In a statement after the vote, Valadao said Trump helped drive the events and criticized the impeachment process as rushed. “I have to go with my gut and vote my conscience,” he said.
The House impeached Trump; the Senate later recorded 57 guilty votes and 43 not-guilty votes, short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Voters will choose between Valadao and Villegas on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
