Valadao unseats Cox in election rematch

Former Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) managed to unseat Rep. TJ Cox (D-Calif.) in their rematch to represent California’s 21st Congressional District, the Associated Press projected on Friday, more than three weeks after Election Day.

The race was one of the most competitive in California, with both candidates and outside groups spending large amounts of money on the race. 

Valadao — a dairy farmer who served in the House from 2013 through 2019 — was narrowly ousted by Cox in 2018, losing by just 862 votes.

According to Census data, roughly 74 percent of the district’s population identifies as Hispanic, making Valadao one of the few Republicans that will represent a majority-Hispanic district.

Cox attempted to link his opponent to President Trump in the district that former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won by 15 points in 2016. But the California Republican prevailed in his rematch, campaigning as a moderate that can work across the aisle. 

Cox came under fire following news of unpaid taxes, having to pay $58,000 in back wages owed to three employees in Canada, $145,000 in unpaid federal income taxes, according to The Fresno Bee.