Progressive Villegas Defeats Impeachment Voter Valadao in California 22nd District

Key points

• Randy Villegas won California’s 22nd District with roughly 66% of the vote, defeating incumbent David Valadao by a two-to-one margin.
• Valadao was the final House Republican who voted to impeach President Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot to lose reelection or retire; Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington is also retiring.
• Villegas, a political newcomer, defeated Valadao despite establishment Democratic efforts to boost a moderate candidate in the primary, highlighting a progressive surge.
• The district was redrawn under Proposition 50, a voter-approved initiative countering Texas redistricting, making it more favorable to Democrats.
• Valadao faced criticism for supporting the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which opponents argue will strip healthcare coverage from over 2 million Californians.
• Villegas received endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Dolores Huerta, and campaigned on opposition to corporate financing and healthcare cuts.

Background

David Valadao was first elected in 2012, lost in 2018, and won the seat back in 2020. He was one of only 10 House Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment. In 2024, the district’s Hispanic constituency shifted away from Democrats, but polls in 2026 showed declining approval ratings for Trump among Latino voters. The 2026 midterms saw a broader Democratic wave, including control of the House and Senate, with Democrats flipping multiple California seats due to redistricting.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News emphasized Valadao’s status as the last impeachment voter to lose or retire and noted House Speaker Mike Johnson’s campaign support, calling the race critical for the Republican majority. The Guardian highlighted Villegas’s grassroots strategy, lack of corporate donations, and endorsements from progressive figures, framing the win as a victory for working families. CalMatters focused on the redistricting impact of Proposition 50, the healthcare bill controversy, and the broader Democratic gains in California, noting that Villegas’s win provides proof of concept for progressive policies in swing areas. All sources agree on the outcome but differ in emphasis: CBS on national implications, The Guardian on ideological contrast, and CalMatters on structural and policy factors.

Why it matters

The loss of David Valadao signifies a shift in California’s Central Valley, a historically conservative, agriculture-rich region with a large Hispanic population. It demonstrates the effectiveness of progressive strategies in competitive districts and the impact of redistricting on electoral outcomes. The result contributes to the Democratic majority in Congress, potentially influencing legislative priorities on healthcare and other issues. It also marks the end of an era for the last remaining impeachment voter, reflecting changing political dynamics in the party.

What to watch

Randy Villegas will take office as the new representative for California’s 22nd District. The Democratic control of Congress may lead to legislative actions on healthcare and other issues. The outcome of other California races, including the 48th District and 11th District, will further shape the state’s delegation. The broader national implications of the 2026 midterms will influence policy directions in the new Congress.