Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) is expected to win another term representing his House district. This is an important victory for Republicans seeking to maintain the Decision Desk HQ project in their narrow House majority.
Valadao defeated Democrat Rudy Salas in a rematch in the 2022 primary for California’s 22nd Congressional District. His victory was especially notable because he was running in a district that comfortably voted for President Biden in 2020, making him a key target for Democrats.
He will also likely have to rely again on split-ticket voting, with Vice President Harris expected to carry the district. One October poll showed her leading former President Trump by 14 points.
Valadao beat Salas by three points two years ago but was able to hold out until next season. Salas is a former California state representative.
Valadao’s victory is notable because he was one of two remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The other is Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), who won re-election earlier Thursday, according to Decision Desk/The Hill HQ.
The remaining eight House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump have either declined to run for reelection or lost in the 2022 midterm elections. Trump has elevated several of these lawmakers as his primary opponents, but has not focused as much on ousting Valadao.
