Free Republic

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) was narrowly reelected Monday, defending his seat despite voting to impeach former President Donald Trump last year, only the second Republican of ten who did so to return to Congress. Valadao defeated Democrat Rudy Salas by three percentage points in the close race in the 22nd congressional district. A Republican in a heavily Latino district, Valadao has always faced tough reelection races. In 2018, he was narrowly unseated by Democrat lobbyist T. J. Cox, who has since been indicted for fraud in that election.

FRESNO, Calif. — Fighting to retake his blue-leaning seat two years ago, Rep. David G. Valadao (R-Calif.) had to ward off accusations he was a “yes man” for former president Donald Trump. In ads, the Republican touted his role in a bill signed by another ex-president: Barack Obama. But this year, running in an even bluer district that is seen as one of the election cycle’s most competitive, Valadao is doing little to communicate one defining show of political independence — his vote to impeach Trump. “There’s actually no point in talking about it, because so many people know about...

HANFORD,Calif. It’s been a year now, but in this Central Valley farm town, like the nation, the divide has only grown. Todd Cotta was working in his gun shop when a customer came in with the news about David Valadao, the Republican congressman for whom Cotta had campaigned across Kings County and beyond just months before. Bewildered, Cotta turned to his phone and tapped in a text message to a man he considered a friend. “Hey David. Somebody’s spreading a nasty (rumor) that you voted to impeach Trump,” Cotta wrote. “I certainly hope that’s not true.” Within seconds, Valadao responded....

A Republican representative on Wednesday filed a petition to force a House vote on immigration, going around leadership and the committee process. GOP Rep. Carlos Curbelo (Fla.) filed the motion, known as a discharge petition. He was joined by Republican Reps. Jeff Denham (Calif.), Will Hurd (Texas), Mario Díaz Balart (Fla.) and David Valadao (Calif.) as initial sponsors. If a majority of the House votes for the discharge petition, the chamber will then vote on an immigration proposal by Denham. Republicans who support immigration reform have grown increasingly frustrated at leadership over inaction on the issue. Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)...

On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved two immigration enforcement amendments offered by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) to the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act. The bill includes funding for the Justice Department, and Rep. King's amendments addressed the recent report of more than 36,000 criminal illegal aliens being released from custody and sanctuary cities. SNIP Nine Republicans voted against the amendment, including pro-amnesty supporters Mario Diaz-Balart, Peter King, David Valadao, and Jeff Denham.