Valadao Has Survived California’s Toughest Races. Now He Faces a Progressive Challenger—and a Newly Redrawn District

Rep. David Valadao is a Republican representing a district where being a Republican has never been enough to guarantee a win. The Central Valley congressman has survived some of the closest races of his career by building a reputation around local issues and working across the aisle.

Now, with newly drawn district lines in California and Democrat Randy Villegas on the ballot, that approach is being tested again.

Valadao finished first in the June primary with 40.7% of the vote, followed by Villegas with 32.4%.

But this year, the political landscape has changed. California voters approved Proposition 50 in 2025, temporarily replacing the state’s independently drawn congressional districts with new, legislatively drawn maps for elections through 2030.

That means Valadao is heading into another competitive race, this time under a newly redrawn District 22.

Political strategist Tab Berg argues that the changes give Democrats an advantage in the heavily agricultural district.

“This district has been given an extremely big advantage to Democrats,” Berg told the Daily Signal. “This is a rage gerrymander, not a rational one.”

Even with the new district lines, Valadao pointed to his longstanding ties to the Central Valley and his bipartisan approach in Washington as strengths that have helped him navigate tough political environments in the past.

“I think they’re voting for someone who is independent,” Valadao said.

A lifelong Central Valley resident and former dairy farmer, Valadao has built his political identity around local issues and a willingness to work across party lines. He describes himself as an independent-minded Republican who prioritizes getting results for his district over partisan fights, with agriculture, water, and affordability among his main focuses.

“I mean, obviously, I’m a registered Republican and support my party, but my district is one of the tough districts that we have in the country, and I’ve worked hard to show that I’m a bipartisan member of Congress.”

When asked about his opponent, Villegas, Valadao suggested that voters are tired of the political extremes.

“For the most part, I feel like most voters kind of got burnt out on the extremists on both sides of the aisle. And you’re seeing a lot of folks really be more focused on just getting things done.”

Berg said that Valadao’s emphasis on local issues has distinguished him as congressional races have become increasingly nationalized.

“David has been extremely local,” the political strategist said. “He is focused on agriculture issues, water issues, transportation issues.”

Valadao has attributed his approach to his upbringing as a dairy farmer.

“My background is dairy farmer who talked to everyone, worked with everyone,” Valadao said, explaining his willingness to work with anyone.

And in a district that has more than 2,200 farms and nearly 2 million acres of farmland, water is one issue that consistently rises to the top.

“Water’s our first and foremost fight,” said the congressman, explaining that California’s water policies have put pressure on Central Valley farmers and communities by limiting both surface water and access to groundwater.

The solution, Valadao says, should be to build more water storage, improve existing infrastructure, and change how it manages water that currently flows out to the ocean.

He added that “knowing the desperate need for water for us to grow the food that consumers eat” has shaped his approach to agriculture and water issues.

Villegas, meanwhile, is presenting a different vision for the Central Valley.

A college professor and Visalia Unified School District board member, Villegas has advocated for tuition-free community and trade schools, opposed the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, and called for lowering the cost of living through expanded health care, affordable housing, and higher wages.

Villegas’ campaign did not respond to multiple requests for an interview by the Daily Signal.

Berg argues that Villegas’ progressive politics could prove more difficult in the general election, particularly in a district where voters do not always fall neatly along party lines.

“He’s an extremely partisan, progressive, wokie, nationalized candidate,” Berg said, contrasting Villegas’ approach with Valadao’s more local focus.

Berg specifically pointed to Villegas’ positions on immigration and transgender issues, arguing they could be out of step with some Central Valley voters, and he characterized the Democrat as an “extremist.”

Valadao’s campaign, meanwhile, is preparing for a competitive race.

“We fight for every vote,” campaign consultant Robert Jones told the Daily Signal, saying the congressman’s campaign will continue reaching voters across party lines.

And as Valadao heads into another tough election, Berg says the congressman may not need a new strategy at all.

“The greatest reelection strategy I’ve ever seen, or been part of, is doing a good job in the office you’re elected to,” Berg said. “Focus on solutions. Focus on what you can do for your district.”

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