Former congressman David Valadao announces bid for rematch against TJ Cox

In his announcement, Valadao cited his experience and his ties to the district. “I am a proud son of the Central Valley. My parents came to the Central Valley as immigrants to follow their dreams and build a better future for their family. This is where I was born, raised, and where my wife and I chose to raise our family.

In the 2018 election, Valadao appeared to have the edge on election day, but over the course of several weeks, Cox chipped away at the incumbent's lead and won the election by less than 1,000 votes. Since his election Cox has been busy, working both sides of the aisle in Washington and hosting numerous town halls and events when he returns to the district. 

Valadao cited his longtime roots in the Central Valley. “This community is my home, and I’ve always fought to do what’s right for the Central Valley,” said Valadao in his announcement on Facebook. 

Valadao, in his remarks, said the Central Valley needs a strong voice the people can trust, one that represents them well in Congress – someone who listens and understands that Central Valley residents just want an opportunity to provide and build a better life for their families.

“That’s why I’m running to represent California’s 21st District,” he stated.

“I cannot continue to sit silently while TJ Cox pursues a radical liberal agenda that hurts our communities. The Central Valley needs a full-time Representative that people can be proud of and trust.”

Valadao said the district faces many challenges which include protecting its water, making health care more affordable and accessible, working to bring new jobs and job training to the Central Valley, and standing up for seniors and veterans to ensure they get the benefits they deserve.

“I’m ready and able to tackle these challenges. I can make a difference for the Central Valley, and I will work – day in and day out – for the honor and privilege of serving this community.”

Cox, who said he immediately went to work for the district upon assuming office in January, responded to Valadao's announcement, saying that he's already delivering for the working families of the Central Valley and "standing up to Trump's out of control presidency." 

Cox said that in less than a year on the job he's already introduced bipartisan legislation to expand rural health care access, secured $10 million for post-traumatic stress research in servicemembers and delivered millions in funding for needed water storage and infrastructure. He added that just this week, President Trump signed Cox's bill to provide relief to more family farmers during the agricultural downturn.