David G. Valadao

In the 2024 House race for CA-22, David G. Valadao (R) defeated Rudy Salas (D) 53.4% to 46.6%. David G. Valadao received 89,484 votes compared to 78,023 for Rudy Salas, a 6.8-point margin that indicates a genuinely contested race.

As the incumbent, David G. Valadao benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. This seat will likely stay on party watch lists as potentially competitive in future cycles.

In the 2022 House race for CA-22, David G. Valadao (R) defeated Rudy Salas (D) 51.5% to 48.5%. David G. Valadao received 52,993 votes compared to 49,859 for Rudy Salas, a narrow 3.0-point margin that would have flipped with a small shift in turnout or persuasion.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Devin Nunes (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Republican, David G. Valadao benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats. This seat will likely stay on party watch lists as potentially competitive in future cycles.

In the 2016 House race for CA-21, David G. Valadao (R) defeated Emilio Huerta (D) 56.7% to 43.3%. David G. Valadao received 75,126 votes compared to 57,282 for Emilio Huerta, a comfortable 13.5-point margin indicating a moderately safe district.

As the incumbent, David G. Valadao benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. The 2016 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.

In the 2014 House race for CA-21, David G. Valadao (R) defeated Amanda Renteria (D) 57.8% to 42.2%. David G. Valadao received 45,907 votes compared to 33,470 for Amanda Renteria, a comfortable 15.7-point margin indicating a moderately safe district.

As the incumbent, David G. Valadao benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. As a Republican, David G. Valadao benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats.

In the 2012 House race for CA-21, David G. Valadao (R) defeated John Hernandez (D) 57.8% to 42.2%. David G. Valadao received 67,164 votes compared to 49,119 for John Hernandez, a comfortable 15.5-point margin indicating a moderately safe district.

This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2012 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.