Republican David Valadao has secured another term in Congress, a critical win for the GOP as they work to maintain their slim majority in the House, as projected by Decision Desk HQ.
Valadao triumphed over Democrat Rudy Salas in a repeat showdown of their 2022 race for California’s 22nd Congressional District. This victory is particularly as Valadao represents a district that voted decisively for President Biden in the 2020 election, making him a key target for the Democrats.
Valadao Wins in Biden-Favored District, Maintaining GOP Edge in the House
Once again, Valadao likely relied on split-ticket voters, especially with Vice President Harris expected to lead Trump in this district. An October poll had shown Harris with a 14-point lead over former President Trump among district voters.
Although Valadao won narrowly by just three points over Salas in the previous election, he managed to retain his seat this time. Salas, who previously served in California’s State Assembly, faced a tough challenge in this rematch.
Valadao’s re-election is also noteworthy due to his unique position as one of only two remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. The other is Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington, who had also won re-election, per Decision Desk HQ’s Thursday update.
The other eight Republicans who voted to impeach Trump either chose not to seek re-election or were defeated in the 2022 midterms. Although Trump actively supported primary challengers against several of these members, he did not target Valadao with the same intensity.
