After years of defying the odds, California’s David Valadao faces new test as Latinos turn on Trump

HANFORD, California — After years of consistently winning elections, Republican Congressman David Valadao faces an uncertain future as Latinos in his heavily Latino district turn against him and President Donald Trump. Valadao, a dairy farmer who has benefited from voting patterns that have shifted towards Republicans, could lose his seat if the trend continues.

According to recent polling, Trump's approval rating among Hispanic adults in Valadao's district has dropped by 18 percentage points, compared to a 9-point decline in overall approval ratings. Valadao has distanced himself from Trump and campaigned on a promise to "put people before political parties." While he has won in his swing district before, his fortunes now depend on the dynamic between Trump and his constituents.

Valadao's Democratic challenger, Randy Villegas, a progressive endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, is emphasizing the need for change in Washington. Villegas is campaigning on policies such as Medicare for All, which would provide universal healthcare. Valadao is trying to portray Villegas as too extreme, pointing to his constituents' immigrant backgrounds and concerns about rising costs of living, healthcare, and economic hardship.

Valadao stresses the importance of honesty and addressing the struggles of working-class families in the district.