The race between Republican David Valadao, a second-term Republican, and Democrat Emilio Huerta for a U.S. House seat in the Central Valley of California is becoming more competitive, says the political handicapper Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Valadao serves on the House Appropriations subcommittee in charge of the USDA and FDA budgets and is a target for defeat by the food movement.
“Outside groups representing both parties are now investing in California 21, a heavily Hispanic seat” held by Valadao, says the Crystal Ball. It now rates the race as “Leans Republican,” indicating a closer race than the previous “Likely Republican” listing. The Cook Political Report includes the district on its list of races that “lean Republican” and the Rothenberg and Gonzales Political Report ranks it as “Republican favored.” Ballotpedia says it is “safe Republican.” Valadao polled twice as many votes as Huerta in the June 7 primary election when all candidates, regardless of party, are on the same ballot with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election.
In answers to questions from the Hanford, Calif., Sentinel, Valadao said, “By securing a reliable water supply, supporting our agriculture industry and strengthening our education system for all students, we can create good-paying, local jobs in the Central Valley.” Huerta, son of a labor icon in the Central Valley, said, “The most important issues for our communities are water, the economy and immigration reform.”