Can 'the sole dairyman in Congress' survive Trump's unpopularity?
As a dairyman, David Valadao has endeared himself to the agricultural communities, even building cross-party support among Democrats. But with costs soaring and Trump so unpopular, voters might not be as willing to look beyond the “R” beside his name.
To many Central Valley farmers, Rep. David Valadao is simply “David.”
As a dairy farmer, born and raised in Hanford, “David” is relatable. He knows how fickle and financially uncertain the farming business can be, having once declared bankruptcy to absolve his family farm’s delinquent loans.
Valadao’s farming bona fides have repeatedly helped the Republican incumbent win re-election in a swing congressional district where Democrats have a significant voter registration advantage.
But this year, as Republicans fight to keep control of the U.S. House amid a bad economy and an unpopular president, the cross-party appeal of “your local farmer” might not be enough to keep Valadao in office.
“Unfortunately, David Valadao’s vote could be the one…