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David Valadao

RepublicanIncumbentIdeology 0.26 · Moderate Conservative

Managing Partner, Valadao Dairy

David Valadao is the incumbent U.S. House member from California, a dairy farmer and former state assembly member. He supports protecting Central Valley agriculture including tariff reform and compensation for illegal immigration-related damages, and veterans' healthcare.

From the candidate’s published profile

Background

David Valadao was born in Hanford, California, in 1977.[1] Valadao received his diploma from Hanford High School in 1995. He then attended College of the Sequoias. He previously worked on his family farm, and served as Regional Leadership Council Chairman for Land O' Lakes Inc.[2][3] Valadao served in the California Assembly from 2010 to 2012.[1]

High school:
Hanford High School, 1995

Campaign money

Raised
$4.9M
From individuals
$1.3M
From PACs & party
$1.9M
Own money
—

FEC filings through June 30, 2026.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

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Campaign websiteValadao's campaign website stated the following:AgricultureFighting for Central Valley FarmersAs a dairy farmer, David understands the challenges that our farmers and ranchers face as a part of California’s competitive agriculture industry. It is critical to ensure California remains an agricultural leader that provides good careers for the Central Valley and food for the world.California’s diverse agricultural economy is a $35 billion-dollar industry that produces over 400 commodities and accounts for over a half of our nation’s fruits and vegetables. We need to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce our food supply and that they continue to remain competitive internationally.VeteransTaking Care of our HeroesWe owe a great debt of gratitude to those who fight to preserve our freedom. Whether it be ensuring they have the tools to stay safe in battle, access to high quality healthcare, or education and employment opportunities here at home, our men and women in uniform deserve our gratitude and our support.Most importantly, our veterans deserve to have their physical and mental health cared for when they return home from serving. The VA has been falling short in their duty to veterans and needs to be restored to the pinnacle of care for our heroes.David is grateful for the sacrifice of so many and will represent them and their families in Washington. As a country, it is our duty to respect the memory of those lost and honor those who have fought for our freedom.WaterProtecting Our Water SupplyIn the Central Valley, life as we know it is dependent upon securing a reliable and clean supply of water. Farmers, families, and entire communities must receive the water they need to strengthen the economy and raise our families.David knows that a safe and stable water supply is critical to the Central Valley and the State’s $54 billion agriculture industry. In Congress, he will fight to address our local needs during the drought.Jobs & EconomyFinding Valley Families JobsWhile the stock market is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate nationally continues to drop, too many people in the 21st Congressional District are out of work and aren’t feeling the positive effects of our growing economy. The unemployment rate in the San Joaquin Valley is nearly double the national average.David knows that our economy needs to work for rural and working families, not just big cities. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy and needless regulations and a greater tax burden make it harder for them to hire. David will work to pass common sense legislation that will put Americans, especially those in the Central Valley, back to work.HealthcareGetting You Affordable CareDavid believes quality, affordable healthcare should be available to all Americans. It is important to enact reforms that lower the cost of healthcare while maintaining access to healthcare for America’s most vulnerable populations – like the elderly, poor and those with pre-existing conditions.David believes the best healthcare is a market-based approach to healthcare reform that provides individuals with competitive choices and addresses the needs of those unable to afford healthcare insurance. It is David’s priority to ensure your healthcare remains in the hands of you and your doctor, not the federal government.SeniorsProtecting Our SeniorsOur nation’s financial situation requires that we carefully examine the future of programs our seniors depend upon like Medicare and Social Security.Without improvements, both Social Security and Medicare will be unable to fully meet the promises made to the next generation of retirees and will burden future generations with reduction in services and crushing tax increases. Both programs risk complete collapse before our children and grandchildren ever receive a single benefit. This is simply unacceptable to David, who believes we must act in order to strengthen and preserve these vital programs.ImmigrationFixing the Broken SystemAs the son of immigrants, immigration reform is an issue close to David’s heart. David knows that our current system is broken and in need of comprehensive repair.David supports a reasonable and responsible pathway to citizenship for those wishing to enter our country and those already here. This will allow many undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, get involved in their children’s education, find employment, and raise their families.An important aspect of immigration reform is addressing concerns of the agriculture industry and farm workers. Developing a guest worker program that will enable access to a reliable workforce is crucial to the stability of our local agricultural economy. Most importantly, David believes that we should recognize the importance of family in American society and acknowledge the danger of separating families. Rather than targeting those simply trying to raise their families, we should equip law enforcement with the tools to focus on undocumented immigrants who have committed serious crimes.Reforming our nation’s immigration system is a massive undertaking. David will work on immigration reform until a solution is reached.EducationEnsuring The Valley's FutureAs the father of three, David understands that every child learns differently and needs to have access to a quality, affordable education that works for them.A “one-size-fits-all” approach of Washington bureaucrats only hinders the education of our nation’s children. Parents and educators should have the resources and flexibility to provide an education that meets the needs of their community and each individual student. Education should be more comprehensive at all levels and David supports expanding vocational and trade school options for our students.David believes that education is the pathway to success and that everyone should have access to the tools they need to accomplish their goals.SpendingBalance the BudgetDavid believes that Washington should live by the same rules as every American family, which means they must balance the budget and spend no more than what they take in.Today’s government spends, borrows, and taxes its people too much. Our national debt has surpassed $23 trillion, over $65,000 for every man, woman, and child in America. David strongly opposes wasteful projects, such as the construction of a high-speed rail system throughout California which will cost tax payers billions of dollars with little added benefit.Responsible spending reductions to tackle our national debt will strengthen the U.S. economy and create economic opportunity for families in the Central Valley. These spending cuts, coupled with the implementation of a fairer tax code and strong incentives to work and invest, will lower the tax burden for all Americans, while providing increased support for necessary federal programs.It is time to get serious about our nation’s spending problem and David is committed to working with his colleagues to do what is best for the American people.Reform D.C.Serving AmericansDavid believes the role of government agencies is to serve the interest of every American, not what is best for bureaucrats in Washington.Government can only be accountable when it’s Members of Congress are transparent and accessible to the voters. David makes a point to be in the community he calls home, meeting with people as often as possible, not in Washington D.C. with lobbyists and insiders.Today, David and his family live on their dairy farm in Hanford where they are raising their three children. David believes that Members of Congress need know the people they serve in order represent them well.EnergyDeveloping Our Energy ResourcesOur nation, especially California, is blessed with an abundance of traditional and renewable energy resources. However, red tape and frivolous litigation is blocking the development of America’s energy resources, killing jobs and slamming families with sky-high energy costs.David supports expanding our domestic energy potential to reduce our dependence on foreign energy and save money here at home. California can play an instrumental role in energy production. In additional to renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power, our State has the potential to produce oil and natural gas. Developing California’s energy resources will create jobs in our communities while lowering our national demand for energy by supporting innovation to improve our economy’s energy efficiency.— David G. Valadao's campaign website (March 9, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads

[the profile publisher] did not come across any campaign ads for David Valadao while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

David G. Valadao did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

David G. Valadao did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

David G. Valadao did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Valadao’s campaign website stated the following:

Agriculture

As a dairy farmer, David understands the challenges that our farmers and ranchers face as a part of California’s competitive agriculture industry. It is critical to ensure California remains an agricultural leader that provides good careers for the Central Valley and food for the world.

California’s diverse agricultural economy is a $35 billion-dollar industry that produces over 400 commodities and accounts for over a half of our nation’s fruits and vegetables. We need to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce our food supply and that they continue to remain competitive internationally.

Veterans

We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who fight to preserve our freedom. Whether it be ensuring they have the tools to stay safe in battle, access to high quality healthcare, or education and employment opportunities here at home, our men and women in uniform deserve our gratitude and our support.

Most importantly, our veterans deserve to have their physical and mental health cared for when they return home from serving. The VA has been falling short in their duty to veterans and needs to be restored to the pinnacle of care for our heroes.

David is grateful for the sacrifice of so many and will represent them and their families in Washington. As a country, it is our duty to respect the memory of those lost and honor those who have fought for our freedom.

Water

In the Central Valley, life as we know it is dependent upon securing a reliable and clean supply of water. Farmers, families, and entire communities must receive the water they need to strengthen the economy and raise our families.

David knows that a safe and stable water supply is critical to the Central Valley and the State’s $54 billion agriculture industry. In Congress, he will fight to address our local needs during the drought.

Jobs & Economy

While the stock market is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate nationally continues to drop, too many people in the 21st Congressional District are out of work and aren’t feeling the positive effects of our growing economy. The unemployment rate in the San Joaquin Valley is nearly double the national average.

David knows that our economy needs to work for rural and working families, not just big cities. Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy and needless regulations and a greater tax burden make it harder for them to hire. David will work to pass common sense legislation that will put Americans, especially those in the Central Valley, back to work.

Healthcare

David believes quality, affordable healthcare should be available to all Americans. It is important to enact reforms that lower the cost of healthcare while maintaining access to healthcare for America’s most vulnerable populations – like the elderly, poor and those with pre-existing conditions.

David believes the best healthcare is a market-based approach to healthcare reform that provides individuals with competitive choices and addresses the needs of those unable to afford healthcare insurance. It is David’s priority to ensure your healthcare remains in the hands of you and your doctor, not the federal government.

Seniors

Our nation’s financial situation requires that we carefully examine the future of programs our seniors depend upon like Medicare and Social Security.

Without improvements, both Social Security and Medicare will be unable to fully meet the promises made to the next generation of retirees and will burden future generations with reduction in services and crushing tax increases. Both programs risk complete collapse before our children and grandchildren ever receive a single benefit. This is simply unacceptable to David, who believes we must act in order to strengthen and preserve these vital programs.

Immigration

As the son of immigrants, immigration reform is an issue close to David’s heart. David knows that our current system is broken and in need of comprehensive repair.

David supports a reasonable and responsible pathway to citizenship for those wishing to enter our country and those already here. This will allow many undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, get involved in their children’s education, find employment, and raise their families.

An important aspect of immigration reform is addressing concerns of the agriculture industry and farm workers. Developing a guest worker program that will enable access to a reliable workforce is crucial to the stability of our local agricultural economy. Most importantly, David believes that we should recognize the importance of family in American society and acknowledge the danger of separating families. Rather than targeting those simply trying to raise their families, we should equip law enforcement with the tools to focus on undocumented immigrants who have committed serious crimes.

Reforming our nation’s immigration system is a massive undertaking. David will work on immigration reform until a solution is reached.

Education

As the father of three, David understands that every child learns differently and needs to have access to a quality, affordable education that works for them.

A “one-size-fits-all” approach of Washington bureaucrats only hinders the education of our nation’s children. Parents and educators should have the resources and flexibility to provide an education that meets the needs of their community and each individual student. Education should be more comprehensive at all levels and David supports expanding vocational and trade school options for our students.

David believes that education is the pathway to success and that everyone should have access to the tools they need to accomplish their goals.

Spending

David believes that Washington should live by the same rules as every American family, which means they must balance the budget and spend no more than what they take in.

Today’s government spends, borrows, and taxes its people too much. Our national debt has surpassed $23 trillion, over $65,000 for every man, woman, and child in America. David strongly opposes wasteful projects, such as the construction of a high-speed rail system throughout California which will cost tax payers billions of dollars with little added benefit.

Responsible spending reductions to tackle our national debt will strengthen the U.S. economy and create economic opportunity for families in the Central Valley. These spending cuts, coupled with the implementation of a fairer tax code and strong incentives to work and invest, will lower the tax burden for all Americans, while providing increased support for necessary federal programs.

It is time to get serious about our nation’s spending problem and David is committed to working with his colleagues to do what is best for the American people.

Reforming Washington

David believes the role of government agencies is to serve the interest of every American, not what is best for bureaucrats in Washington.

Government can only be accountable when it’s Members of Congress are transparent and accessible to the voters. David makes a point to be in the community he calls home, meeting with people as often as possible, not in Washington D.C. with lobbyists and insiders.

Today, David and his family live on their dairy farm in Hanford where they are raising their three children. David believes that Members of Congress need know the people they serve in order represent them well.

Energy

Our nation, especially California, is blessed with an abundance of traditional and renewable energy resources. However, red tape and frivolous litigation is blocking the development of America’s energy resources, killing jobs and slamming families with sky-high energy costs.

David supports expanding our domestic energy potential to reduce our dependence on foreign energy and save money here at home. California can play an instrumental role in energy production. In additional to renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power, our State has the potential to produce oil and natural gas. Developing California’s energy resources will create jobs in our communities while lowering our national demand for energy by supporting innovation to improve our economy’s energy efficiency.[33]

—David Valadao's campaign website (2020)[34]

Valadao's campaign website listed the following issues:[35]

Jobs and the Economy: "Too many Americans are out of work, especially across California’s 21st Congressional District. The unemployment rate in the San Joaquin Valley rests at approximately 17% with many areas exceeding an outrageous unemployment rate of 32%. David knows that needless regulations kill jobs and increased taxes hurt small businesses, the backbone of our nation’s economy. He is working to pass common sense legislation that will put Americans, especially those in the Central Valley, back to work."

Water: "In the Central Valley, life as we know it is dependent upon securing a reliable and clean supply of water. Farmers, families, and entire communities must receive the water they need to strengthen the economy and raise our families. David knows that a safe and stable water supply is critical to the Central Valley and the State’s $35 billion agriculture industry. In Congress, he is fighting to address our local needs during the drought. The passage of his bill, H.R. 3964, The San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act, will help bring relief to the Central Valley."

Agriculture: "As a dairy farmer and a Member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, California’s agriculture industry is extremely important to David. David knows what it takes to ensure California remains an agricultural superpower. California’s diverse agricultural economy is a $35 billion dollar industry that produces over 400 commodities and accounts for over a half of our nation’s fruits and vegetables. It is important that we ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce our food supply and that they continue to remain competitive internationally."

Education: "As the father of three, one of David’s top priorities is ensuring every child has access to a quality, affordable education. He knows the “one-size-fits-all” approach of Washington bureaucrats only hinders the education of our nation’s children. Parents and educators should have the resources and flexibility to provide an education that meet the needs of their community and each individual student. Education should be more comprehensive at all levels and David supports expanding vocational and trade school options for our students."

Spending: "David believes that Washington should live by the same rules as every American family, which means they must balance the budget and spend no more than what they take in. Today’s government spends, borrows, and taxes its people too much. Our national debt has surpassed $17 trillion, nearly $53,000 for every man woman and child in America. David strongly opposes wasteful projects, such as the construction of a high-speed rail system throughout California which will cost tax payers billions of dollars with little added benefit."

[33]

—David Valadao's campaign website, http://www.valadaoforcongress.com/issues/

Valadao's campaign website listed the following issues:[36]

Build More Reservoirs Now

Excerpt: "The state’s $35 billion agriculture industry and our Central Valley is wholly dependent on a stable supply of water, so no one will fight harder than farmer David Valadao to improve our aging water infrastructure."

Bullet Train Hurts Taxpayers

Excerpt: "David Valadao strongly opposes the construction of a high speed rail system and that’s why he co-authored legislation that would allow California voters to stop the project dead in its tracks."

Needless Regulations Kill Jobs

Excerpt: "To help businesses stay in California and create new jobs, David Valadao wrote a bill requiring government agencies to make public the economic impact of new regulations before they are implemented."

Gasoline Prices Slamming Families

Excerpt: "David Valadao will not only vote to expand domestic oil production so we end our dependence on Middle East oil, but he also supports constructing the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada to Texas."

Reduce The National Debt

Excerpt: "A $15 trillion black hole that increased 42% in the past three years is one reason David Valadao favors cutting government spending and supports a strict two-thirds vote requirement before Congress can hike taxes."

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

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