Rep. Valadao to Face Progressive Challenger in California Central Valley District

A new map made the district tougher for Rep. Valadao, who faces Democratic fire for backing Medicaid cuts. The race could tip the House balance of power.

Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif) speaks to reporters as he leaves a House Republican caucus at the Capitol on Oct. 12, 2023. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Incumbent Republican Congressman David Valadao will face Democrat Randy Villegas in the Nov. 3 general election in California’s 22nd Congressional District, one of the most closely watched battleground races.

Valadao topped the primary with 40.7 percent. Progressive Randy Villegas, a college professor and business owner, received 32.2 percent of the vote, beating moderate state Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains, a family physician, who garnered 27.2 percent. The Associated Press called Villegas’s advance on June 9, a week after the primary.