After years of defying the odds, California’s David Valadao faces new test as Latinos turn on Trump

Republican Rep. David Valadao is facing a tougher reelection fight in California’s 22nd Congressional District, where a newly redrawn map gives Democrats a 16-point voter-registration advantage. Valadao, a Central Valley dairy farmer who has repeatedly won in heavily Latino territory, will face Democratic challenger Randy Villegas in the November general election after both advanced from the June 2 primary. The Associated Press reported September 5 that economic concerns, healthcare cuts and declining Hispanic approval of President Donald Trump could threaten Valadao’s strategy of maintaining political distance from Trump while emphasizing local issues. Valadao voted to impeach Trump after the January 6 attack but supported Trump’s 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Villegas, who supports Medicare for All, has made healthcare a central campaign issue. Recent election analysts and polling indicate a competitive race, but no November outcome is established. National party spending and Latino voter participation could influence the contest.