BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Associated Press is projecting David Valadao (R) will face Rudy Salas (D) in California’s 22nd Congressional District general election in November.
The projection of Valadao clinching the second spot in vote total comes nearly three weeks after the June 7 primary. Salas was projected to take the top spot on election night.
Valadao holds a 1,310 vote lead over for Fresno city councilmember Chris Mathys (R), in the latest vote total from the California Secretary of State’s office.
The race for the 22nd District is set to be one of the most closely watched House races in the country as Republicans seem poised to retake control of the chamber.
Money, fundraising, getting out the vote in the blue-leaning, but ultra-competitive district will be a key point in determining who gets elected. The race is considered a toss-up by political observers.
The primary election results are to be certified by the Secretary of State by July 15.
Salas, the current State Assemblyman for the 32nd district, is representing the Democratic party. Salas, 44, was born in Bakersfield, Calif, and graduated from UCLA. He previously served on the Bakersfield City Council.
Valadao is the incumbent in California’s 21st Congressional District running for the seat in the new 22nd District.
Congressional District 22 includes portions of Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, including the whole Cities of Arvin, Avenal, Corcoran, Delano, Lindsay, McFarland, Porterville, Shafter, and Wasco, and portions of the Cities of Bakersfield, Hanford, and Tulare.
