AP
Election 2026 House California
A mobile home park is seen in Bakersfield, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
As featured on
Republican congressman David Valadao has defied the odds before, winning elections in California districts with big Democratic registration advantages. But he could be facing his toughest test ever this year in his Central Valley district. President Donald Trump’s popularity is slumping, gas and grocery prices are straining household budgets and federal health care cuts loom over a district with one of the highest Medicaid enrollment rates in the nation. Valadao tells The Associated Press he isn’t worried. He says, “I’ve won in these types of races. I can win again.” Valadao is facing progressive Democrat Randy Villegas in November.
