Rep.-elect David Valadao (R-Calif.-21)

Date of birth: April 14, 1977
Residence: Hanford, Calif.
Occupation: farmer; former U.S. representative
Education: B.S., College of the Sequoias
Family: wife, Terra; three children

Republican David Valadao is returning to Congress to represent California’s 21st district.

The 43-year-old served in the seat from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, he was a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Before serving in the U.S. House, he represented California’s 30th District in the State Assembly.

Valadao jumped back into the race this election in a rematch with Democratic incumbent Rep. TJ Cox.

Safeguarding local water and stimulating job growth in the region are all top priorities for him. Valadao also says he wants to reform health care by lowering costs and including those with preexisting conditions while maintaining competitive choice for consumers.

Valadao, a native of Hanford, is a generational farmer whose family emigrated from Portugal. He has held leadership roles in the California Milk Advisory Board, Western States Dairy Trade Association, and served as the regional leadership council chairman for Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

-Lillian Bautista