Progressive Democrat tests leftward path to flip California swing seat

Democrats are testing a progressive approach in California’s 22nd District by backing Randy Villegas, who won the primary to challenge Republican Rep. David Valadao in a swing district that Trump carried in 2024. The move bucks the traditional mainstream candidate strategy, as Villegas’ left-leaning stance is intended to mobilize working-class voters, while Valadao’s votes on Medicaid and food assistance are cited as potential vulnerabilities. Both parties are pouring resources into the race, viewing it as a potential swing-seat showdown with wide implications for control of the House.