Next year, Rep. David Valadao could be facing another uphill battle—this time because California Democrats have redrawn his district as part of a strategy to give Democrats an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.

Valadao, who represents California’s Central Valley and has roots as a dairy farmer, has called mid-decade redistricting despicable. He said he cannot support the statewide push to temporarily change the maps, nor the demand former President Donald Trump has made for some red states to redraw their maps in favor of Republicans next year.

“I won’t defend any of it,” Valadao told the Washington Examiner, before criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) for leading California’s redistricting campaign.

“Instead of being a leader and actually coming up with his own ideas, he’s taking someone else’s bad idea and running with it, using that as an excuse to do something that he knows his voters disagree with,” Valadao added.

### Proposition 50 Could Dilute Valadao’s District

Valadao’s district could be significantly altered if Californians vote in favor of Proposition 50 on Tuesday. This ballot measure was triggered in response to Trump urging Texas legislators to redraw the state’s congressional map to give Republicans a five-seat advantage in the 2024 midterms. Since then, other GOP-led states—including Missouri, North Carolina, and Utah—have followed suit. A handful of others have either started the process or indicated they are exploring redistricting options.

Unlike Texas, where state lawmakers control the congressional map, California’s process is more complicated. Its constitution requires an independent redistricting commission to draw the map, and voters must approve any changes.

That means even though the state legislature passed the proposed map, it’s ultimately up to voters on Tuesday to decide whether it will be used for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

If voters approve Proposition 50, it would place three Republican-held seats into safe Democratic hands and push two others into lean-Democratic territory. Specifically, the map would affect districts held by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Kevin Kiley (R-CA) in Northern California. In Southern California, Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) would be at risk. And in the Central Valley, Valadao would face an even tougher reelection battle.

The new map would stretch Valadao’s district to almost twice its current length, incorporating more Democratic voters from neighboring counties.

### Central Valley’s Rural Voices at Risk

The Central Valley is home to a third of California’s nine Republicans in Congress. It comprises a significant portion of the state’s rich agricultural belt, making it a critical area in Democrats’ redistricting plans.

Farmers in the region, like Charles Meyer—who owns a 1,500-acre farm in Kings County growing wheat, Pima cotton, alfalfa, pistachios, and almonds—are concerned about the implications of being represented by lawmakers who favor strict regulations.

California Democrats have pushed a wave of environmental regulations aimed at protecting air quality, water resources, and ecosystems. However, these same rules restrict essential farming activities such as groundwater use and fertilizer application.

“When [Democrats] gain power, negative things happen,” Meyer said.

### Valadao Criticizes Proposition 50’s True Motives

Valadao hopes voters recognize the real-world consequences of supporting Proposition 50. He argues the measure is less about improving life in California and more about giving Governor Newsom a national platform to launch a 2028 presidential bid.

“This is his way of getting on a national stage, but why couldn’t he have just done a good job as governor?” Valadao questioned.

“That would have been helpful. Instead, he’s chosen to take on the president, but the reality is if you want to show a better way of doing things, do a better job of running your state. Don’t run up our fuel prices. Don’t run up our electricity bills. Don’t make it unsafe to live in our communities.”

Valadao added, “Instead of doing his job as a governor and actually functioning as an adult, he’s chosen political fights. And this is not what the American people want. That’s not what California wants. It’s just such a horrible strategy.”

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Stay tuned for more updates on Proposition 50 and the 2026 midterm elections.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/3871680/rep-valadao-newsom-act-like-an-adult-proposition-50/