Rep. David Valadao has clinched another term in California’s 22nd Congressional District, solidifying his position in this rare Republican stronghold within a state dominated by Democrats.
In the heart of the Central Valley, Valadao’s victory over Democrat Rudy Salas represents the second defeat Salas has suffered to the incumbent.
Despite a 14-point Democratic registration advantage, Valadao has maintained a foothold in this agriculturally rich region since first claiming the seat in 2013, apart from a brief interlude from 2019 to 2021.
In a landscape where control of the House remains on a razor’s edge, Valadao’s win nudges Republicans within two seats of holding the majority. With votes still being counted in remaining battleground districts, all eyes are on California’s close-call races that could tip the scales on Capitol Hill.
Valadao Leans on Local Issues, Bipartisanship
Valadao, a farmer by trade, has continually focused his campaign on Central Valley’s agricultural and water needs, an approach that has resonated with constituents.
In a statement, National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Ben Petersen praised the incumbent’s commitment to bipartisan solutions aimed at reducing inflation, boosting water access, and strengthening public safety in the region often called America’s salad bowl.
“David has ignored partisan bickering and demonstrated his commitment to local priorities,” his campaign reiterated in a recent appeal to supporters. Painting Salas as a tax-and-spend Democrat, Valadao emphasized his willingness to reach across the aisle on issues critical to his district.
Meanwhile, Salas, who positions himself as a moderate, criticized Valadao’s alliance with former President Donald Trump, arguing that Valadao’s centrist image masks conservative leanings. Salas’s loss mirrors his 2022 defeat to Valadao, underscoring the challenges Democrats face in Central Valley districts.
George Whitesides Upsets Incumbent Garcia
The Associated Press declared another critical California race for Democrat George Whitesides, who narrowly unseated Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia in the 27th Congressional District.
Garcia, a former Navy pilot and one of Los Angeles County’s last Republican representatives, had a surprising record of winning in a district with a notable Democratic registration advantage.
In his concession, Garcia congratulated Whitesides and pledged to support a smooth transition. Whitesides, previously NASA‘s chief of staff and Virgin Galactic CEO, pledged to tackle household costs and support job creation, leveraging his business acumen to address his district’s challenges.
GOP Loses a Critical Foothold in the LA Area
Once considered conservative, the 27th District, which extends from suburban Los Angeles into the high desert, saw Garcia’s grip weaken amid the Democrats’ significant registration edge. Garcia initially claimed his seat by campaigning against California’s liberal governance, stating, “I don’t want my country to turn into what my state has become.”
In contrast, Whitesides highlighted his commitment to progressive policies and bipartisan pragmatism, resonating with voters in a district shifting further left.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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