David
G. Valadao
Republican incumbent David G. Valadao represents California's 22nd Congressional District, centered in the San Joaquin Valley.
- sources
- 29
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 9
Background
David G. Valadao is the Republican U.S. Representative for California's 22nd Congressional District. Born and raised in Hanford, California, he graduated from Hanford High School in 1995 and attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia from 1996 to 1998. 16
Before entering politics, Valadao worked as a farmer and business owner, operating a dairy and farming business in Kings County. 46 He served in the California State Assembly from 2010 to 2012, then represented California's 21st Congressional District from 2013 to 2019. 69
After losing his House seat in 2018, Valadao returned to Congress in 2021 and has represented the 22nd District since 2023. He is an incumbent candidate in the 2026 House election. 29
Valadao has highlighted issues related to Central Valley water infrastructure, serving the Hispanic community, and agricultural concerns in his district. 1718
At a glance
- Party
- Republican · Incumbent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 22, California
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- U.S. Representative for California's 22nd Congressional District
- Website
- valadaoforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Voting record
How David G. Valadao voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24) and 119th Congress (2025–26), Jan 3, 2023 to Sep 16, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.
- roll call votes
- 1,909
- missed
- 2.0%
- with their party’s majority
- 89%
Recent key votes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · S2403 · Economy & jobsRetire through Ownership ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9497 · Climate & energyWater Resources Development ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9340 · Climate & energyRatepayer Protection ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HJRES213 · Climate & energyProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision”On Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR10326 · Crime & public safetyPROOF ActOn Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 16, 2026 · House · HR9576 · Crime & public safetyNational Fraud Enforcement Division ActOn Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 15, 2026 · House · HJRES210 · Climate & energyProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision”On Passage · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 15, 2026 · House · HR9500 · Taxes & budgetTax Relief for Fraud Victims ActOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 1,909 votes →
Timeline
- Oct 12debateDebate coverage: Valadao and Villegas clash over gas prices and U.S. war in Iran
October 12 coverage revisited the CA-22 debate, highlighting candidate clashes over gas prices and the war in Iran, with Valadao defending the need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and Villegas criticizing Valadao's record.
Valadao and Villegas Clash in Central Valley Debate over Gas Prices, War in Iran · Oct 12, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 11pollFutureBallot model rates CA-22 a toss-up: 51% Villegas, 49% Valadao
FutureBallot's forecast model listed CA-22 as a toss-up as of October 11, estimating a 51% probability for Villegas and 49% for Valadao. This is a model estimate, not a voter poll. FEC data through September 30 showed Valadao with $4.93M raised and $3.37M cash on hand versus Villegas at $2.65M raised and $572K cash on hand.
CA-22 2026 House forecast - FutureBallot · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 10newsAnalysis: Villegas and Valadao offer CA-22 voters distinctly different policy agendas
A GV Wire analysis published October 10 contrasted the two candidates' positions on key issues including water, health care, immigration and economic policy ahead of the November 3 election.
Villegas and Valadao Offer CA-22 Voters Distinctly Different Agendas · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9endorsementU.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Valadao for CA-22
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. David Valadao, with the Kern County Farm Bureau president also expressing support for Valadao in the announcement.
U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. David Valadao for California's Twenty ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsNRCC declares Valadao winner of CA-22 debate, highlights his record on taxes and health care
The National Republican Congressional Committee issued a statement asserting Valadao won the debate and promoting his record on taxes, rural health care and Medicaid. This was the committee's characterization, not an independent assessment.
NRCC Statement on Congressman David Valadao Winning CA-22 ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7debateDebate recap: Valadao and Villegas clash over data centers, immigration, Iran war and gas prices
Post-debate coverage highlighted clashes over data centers (Villegas alleged Valadao took over $200,000 from 'big tech'; Valadao disputed this), immigration, the Iran war, gas prices and health care. Valadao defended his record; Villegas called for immigration reform with a path to citizenship.
David Valadao and Randy Villegas spar over economy ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6debateValadao and Villegas face off in their first and only televised debate in Bakersfield
Valadao and Villegas participated in a televised Nexstar debate in Bakersfield on October 6, described as their sole debate. Topics included the economy, immigration, water, environmental issues, data centers, foreign policy and health care.
David Valadao and Randy Villegas debate for the CA-22 ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5newsSen. Bernie Sanders holds rally in Bakersfield for Valadao's challenger Villegas
Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally in Bakersfield in support of progressive Democratic challenger Randy Villegas, highlighting the competitive toss-up nature of the CA-22 race.
Sanders rallies for Central Valley progressive in toss-up House race · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2endorsementSafari Club International PAC endorses Valadao among 106 hunting advocates
Safari Club International's political action committee listed Valadao among its endorsed candidates in an October 2 announcement covering 106 hunting advocates nationwide.
SCI-PAC Endorses 106 Hunting Advocates - The Outdoor Wire ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1endorsementSpeaker Mike Johnson rallies in Bakersfield in support of Valadao's reelection
House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Bakersfield with Valadao, rallying support for his reelection and calling the CA-22 race one of the most important contests of the cycle.
Speaker Mike Johnson rallies behind Rep. David Valadao · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 30newsSacramento Bee race guide reports Valadao raised approximately $3.35 million through earlier FEC snapshot
The Sacramento Bee's September 30 race guide reported Valadao had raised about $3.35 million based on an earlier FEC reporting snapshot. A later September 30 FEC-based compilation put his total at approximately $4.93 million raised and $3.37 million cash on hand.
Your guide to California's 22nd Congressional District race · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28pollRace guides published: Inside Elections rates CA-22 'tilt Republican,' Sabato rates it 'leans Democratic'
In late September, race guides noted differing analyst ratings: Inside Elections rated the seat 'tilt Republican' while Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it 'leans Democratic,' reflecting the competitive nature of the race.
Your guide to California's 22nd Congressional District race - Yahoo · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsProfile: Valadao faces progressive challenger Villegas in redrawn CA-22 district
A September 22 profile noted Valadao's history of surviving difficult California races and outlined the challenge posed by Democrat Randy Villegas and the newly redrawn district boundaries.
Valadao Has Survived California’s Toughest Races. Now He ... · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 17newsAnalysis: Democrats' redistricting of CA-22 seen as potentially backfiring
A September 17 report noted that the district's lines were redrawn for 2026, with analysis suggesting the Democratic-led redistricting effort may not have produced the intended partisan advantage.
Democrats Gerrymandered David Valadao’s District. Did It ... · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 15pollDemocrat-commissioned poll shows Villegas 48%, Valadao 44% among likely voters
A Tulchin Research poll of 800 likely voters, commissioned by Democrats and conducted June 15–21, found Villegas leading Valadao 48% to 44%, with 8% undecided. No newer public head-to-head poll was identified by October 12.
Randy Villegas Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 2filingCalifornia top-two primary: Valadao advances with 40.74%, Villegas with 32.36%
The June 2 primary determined the two general-election candidates for CA-22. Valadao received 40.74% and Villegas 32.36%, sending both to the November 3 general election in the redrawn district.
Democrats Gerrymandered David Valadao’s District. Did It ... · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Continuing a Majority Party organizationListed among Valadao's general-election endorsers in an iVoterGuide voter-guide profile; no date or independent announcement record available. ivoterguide.com
- Hispanic Leadership Fund organizationListed among Valadao's general-election endorsers in an iVoterGuide voter-guide profile; no date or independent announcement record available. ivoterguide.com
- National Rifle Association organizationListed among Valadao's general-election endorsers in an iVoterGuide voter-guide profile; no date or independent announcement record available. ivoterguide.com
- California Pro Life Council organizationListed among Valadao's general-election endorsers in an iVoterGuide voter-guide profile; no date or independent announcement record available. ivoterguide.com
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce organizationFormally endorsed Valadao for California's 22nd Congressional District on October 9, 2026. uschamber.com · Oct 9, 2026
- Greater Bakersfield Chamber organizationPresident and CEO Janelle Capra voiced support in the October 9, 2026 U.S. Chamber announcement, describing Valadao as a longtime chamber partner. The release does not use the explicit word 'endorses' for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, so this is best treated as a public expression of support rather than a clearly labeled formal endorsement. uschamber.com · Oct 9, 2026
- Kern County Farm Bureau organizationPresident Todd Snider stated: 'Kern County Farm Bureau is proud to endorse Congressman David Valadao for reelection.' Covered in both the U.S. Chamber release and local KERO/Turnto23 reporting. turnto23.com · Oct 9, 2026
- California Republican Party organizationEndorsed Valadao per Fresnoland's May 15, 2026 candidate profile and Ballotpedia's June 12, 2026 election report. fresnoland.org · May 15, 2026
- Log Cabin Republicans PAC organizationAnnounced Valadao as part of its first slate of 2026-cycle endorsements on February 3, 2026. logcabin.org · Feb 3, 2026
Past elections
General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.
| Year | Seat | Result | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | U.S. House CA-22 · R | Won | 52,994 | 51.5% |
| 2020 | U.S. House CA-21 · R | Won | 85,928 | 50.4% |
| 2018 | U.S. House CA-21 · R | Lost | 56,377 | 49.6% |
| 2016 | U.S. House CA-21 · R | Won | 75,126 | 56.7% |
Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $4.93M
- Spent
- $1.61M
- Cash on hand
- $3.37M
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H2CA20094(opens in a new tab)
Sources 29
- [1] Valadao and Villegas Clash in Central Valley Debate over Gas Prices, War in Iran(opens in a new tab) Oct 12, 2026
- [2] CA-22 2026 House forecast - FutureBallot(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [3] Villegas and Valadao Offer CA-22 Voters Distinctly Different Agendas(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [4] Congressman David Valadao earns dual endorsements from U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Farm Bureau(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [5] David Valadao - Candidate Profile - iVoterGuide(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [6] U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. David Valadao for California's Twenty ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [7] Representative David Valadao - House.gov(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [8] David Valadao and Randy Villegas spar over economy ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [9] NRCC Statement on Congressman David Valadao Winning CA-22 ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [10] David Valadao and Randy Villegas debate for the CA-22 ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [11] Sanders rallies for Central Valley progressive in toss-up House race(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [12] Randy Villegas Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [13] SCI-PAC Endorses 106 Hunting Advocates - The Outdoor Wire ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [14] Speaker Mike Johnson rallies behind Rep. David Valadao(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [15] Your guide to California's 22nd Congressional District race(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [16] Your guide to California's 22nd Congressional District race - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [17] [PDF] Representative David Valadao (R-CA-022) Score: 3% - VoterVoice(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [18] Issues - David Valadao for Congress(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [19] Valadao Has Survived California’s Toughest Races. Now He ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
- [20] Democrats Gerrymandered David Valadao’s District. Did It ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
- [21] Honoring our Commitment to Veterans(opens in a new tab) Jun 30, 2026
- [22] Beginning the 119th Congress - Representative David Valadao(opens in a new tab) Jun 22, 2026
- [23] The three candidates in the race for California's 22nd District(opens in a new tab) May 15, 2026
- [24] Log Cabin Republicans PAC Announces First Round of ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 3, 2026
- [25] Congressman Valadao Works to Reform Our Nation's ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2025
- [26] Congressman Valadao Releases Statement After House ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 3, 2025
- [27] Congressman Valadao Joins California Republican ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 10, 2025
- [28] Congressman Valadao Statement on National Security ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 20, 2024
- [29] Press Releases - David Valadao(opens in a new tab) Oct 27, 2023