Cook Political Report Moves Highly Competitive CA-22 to Toss Up Under New District Lines

DELANO, CA — After California voters passed Proposition 50, confirming a new congressional map, David Valadao’s path to reelection just got tougher – and Dr. Jasmeet Bains is well-positioned as the strongest candidate to win California’s 22nd Congressional District and deliver real representation for the Central Valley.  

The Cook Political Report shifted its rating of CA-22 from Lean Republican to Toss Up, citing Valadao and Washington Republicans’ “toxic” record on health care “in a district where six out of 10 residents are enrolled in Medicaid. In 2018, the last time health care dominated his race, Valadao lost.”

Momentum is clearly building for Dr. Bains. Even under previous district lines, a Public Policy Polling survey of voters in CA-22 found Bains locked in dead heat against Valadao at 42%. When voters learned more about Bains’ record of service, she pulled ahead, leading Valadao 45% to 40%. No other Democrat in the race broke 40% support among Central Valley voters. 

This comes after Dr. Bains put up a record-breaking first quarter fundraising total, outraising every challenger in the district. 

“This change reflects what we already know: Valley voters are ready to move on from David Valadao. Valadao has spent his time in Washington killing the economy and making everything more expensive – tariffs on American farmers, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and bailouts for billionaires,” said Dr. Jasmeet Bains. “I remain focused on protecting health care and making the American Dream affordable for families in every part of this district.” 

Dr. Bains’ campaign for Congress is also endorsed by AAPI Victory Fund, EMILY’s List, Elect Democratic Women, ASPIRE PAC, Healthcare for Action, FamMedPAC, NUHW, Delano Police Officers Association, SEIU California, IBEW Local 428, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, eight members of the California Congressional Delegation, and dozens of community advocates and civic leaders – from law enforcement to first responders and health care workers. Last quarter, Dr. Jasmeet Bains set a record-breaking first-quarter fundraising total that outpaced every challenger in this district.

About Dr. Jasmeet Bains
Dr. Bains, a physician and daughter of immigrants, is running to represent California’s 22nd Congressional District. She has dedicated her career to serving underserved communities in the Central Valley, tackling the opioid crisis, and fighting for affordable health care for all.

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