National

Democrat Villegas projected to advance in California's 22nd congressional district

By Reuters Reuters
FILE PHOTO: People arrive to drop off their election ballots or vote during the California primary election in San Diego, California, U.S., June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People arrive to drop off their election ballots or vote during the California primary election in San Diego, California, U.S., June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Mike Blake Reuters

Democratic challenger Randy Villegas, an educator, was projected to advance to the November general election after Tuesday's open primary for California's closely watched 22nd congressional district race, U.S. media said on Tuesday.

The Democrat will face incumbent Republican Representative David Valadao, who on election night was projected to go through to the November ballot.

Political analysts see Valadao as one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in the November 3 general election with partisan control of the U.S. House of Representatives at stake. The district map in the agricultural Central Valley was redrawn to be more favorable to Democrats under the voter-approved redistricting initiative Proposition 50.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California;)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 6:07 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER