Political newcomer Randy Villegas advances to face Rep. David Valadao in November midterm election
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The Associated Press called the Democratic primary for California's 22nd congressional district for Randy Villegas on Tuesday evening, setting up a November midterm matchup between the political newcomer and long-time incumbent Rep. David Valadao.
Looking at vote counts as of Wednesday, Villegas resonated with voters throughout the district, including in Kern County, where his Democratic opponent Esmeralda Bains has made a name for herself as a state assemblywoman. Villegas beat out Bains in nearly every county on the Democratic ticket, except for the small portion of Madera County the district covers, where Bains received 39 votes to Villegas' 29.
The AP called the race at 6 p.m. Tuesday, with Villegas advancing to November. Shortly after, Bains released a statement via email that reads:
“My heart is full of gratitude for the trust and hard work so many have placed in this campaign. As the first Sikh American elected to the California State Assembly, I am …