“The outcome of the primary could impact Republicans’ chances of holding” CA-22

BAKERSFIELD, CA – With just a day to go before the primary election on June 2, nonpartisan race rater Cook Political Report is out with new analysis making clear that Dr. Jasmeet Bains is the strongest Democratic candidate to take on David Valadao in November. 

In its pre-primary assessment of California’s 22nd Congressional District, Cook Political Report writes that “with Bains, Democrats would be in a stronger position” to defeat Valadao, pointing to Dr. Bains’ strong electoral track record and broad appeal across the Valley, and the fact that Republicans are actively working to boost Randy Villegas in the primary because they view him as the weaker general election opponent.

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• Democrats will hammer [David Valadao] for voting for health care funding cuts — this district has the highest percentage of Medicaid recipients in the country…

• State Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains represents over 60% of this district and has carved out a reputation as a moderate “Valleycrat” willing to vote with Republicans on energy policies and taxes.

• That paid off in her last election — she won by 15 points in a district that Kamala Harris carried by half a point.

• Bains’ allies…have hammered Villegas relentlessly for his school board’s approval of a multi-million dollar settlement with sexual abuse victims… it’s a line of attack that Republicans could easily continue using in the general election.

• The Congressional Leadership Fund, affiliated with Speaker Mike Johnson, is also meddling by boosting Villegas, evidence that Republicans view him as the weaker general election opponent.

• Valadao will have a competitive race this November. But with Bains, Democrats would be in a stronger position.

Dr. Bains has built the campaign necessary to win – grounded in broad, local support and real momentum. Her campaign is backed by the most expansive coalition in the race, including NUHW, SEIU California, California Federation Teachers, Bakersfield Professional Firefighters Local 246, Delano Police Officers Association, and 32 union locals who know her work firsthand. She is also endorsed by 314 Action, ASPIRE PAC, Blue Dog PAC, Defend the Vote, Elect Democratic Women, EMILY’s List, New Dem Action Fund, Welcome PAC, eleven members of the California Congressional Delegation, and dozens of community advocates and civic leaders.

About Dr. Jasmeet Bains

Dr. Jasmeet Bains is a Central Valley family doctor and State Assemblymember who has spent her life fighting for working families. The daughter of immigrants and a Delano native, she served on the frontlines of California wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic before winning office in 2022. In Sacramento, she’s delivered results —securing $20 million to enhance public safety and tackle the Central Valley's fentanyl crisis. She continues to lead the fight for more affordable and accessible healthcare, clean water, and dignity for vulnerable Californians, all while still treating patients at her hometown clinic on weekends.

California’s 22nd Congressional District spans parts of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera Counties — including many communities Dr. Bains already represents in the State Assembly.

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