Progressive endorsed by Bernie Sanders moves forward in Central Valley swing district

Randy Villegas, a progressive with limited political experience, will challenge long-term GOP Rep. David Valadao in a swing Central Valley district that Democrats consider critical to flipping the House next year.

Villegas, a school board trustee, earned the endorsement from the Working Families Party and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Over the last week, he held a tiny lead ahead of his opponent, Democrat Jasmeet Bains, a state assemblywoman. But the final ballot count for the 22nd Congressional District, which was called on Tuesday evening, put Valadao with 40.7% of the electorate, Villegas in second with 32.2% and Bains in a close third with 27.2%.

Bains was the first to jump in the race against Valadao. She announced her candidacy in July, branding herself as a family physician who vowed to reinstate healthcare protections for Central Valley voters. That district has the most residents vulnerable to the lost Medicaid protections under the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

With the backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Bains was seen as the most qualified candidate that could flip the seat. However, Sanders endorsed Villegas last November, challenging the status quo of the Democratic party leadership. His endorsement likely influenced the vote for constituents who were trying to distinguish both Democrats.

First elected in 2012, Valadao has managed to withstand any Democratic rivals that have sought his seat. But with the new lines drawn following Proposition 50, the district is no longer a safe red district and has become increasingly competitive. Villegas basked in the win this week, calling it “one of the best opportunities in the country to flip a House seat and beat David Valadao!” he wrote on Twitter. Bains, meanwhile, released a statement expressing gratitude for the support she received and pledged that her fight for healthcare is far from over.

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