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Local race for Congress finally over. TJ Cox concedes to David Valadao after close contest
The final vote totals, according to the California Secretary of State, magnified the narrowness of Valadao’s victory. The former congressman will return to the House of Representatives by the slimmest of margins – defeating Cox by just 1,522 votes.
“I’m once again overwhelmed by the Central Valley’s support and faith in me,” said Valadao via his website. “To all those who voted for me and those who didn’t, I will be a representative here to serve and fight for every resident of the Central Valley with an open door no matter your background.”
Kings County voters may have proved the difference as they decisively voted for Valadao, the final results: 26,983 to 16,611. Cox easily outperformed Valadao in Kern County, defeating the former congressman 58.4 % to 41.6 percent. Still, it wasn’t enough as Valadao outpolled Cox in Fresno County to add to his total vote count.
On Friday, Congressman Cox called his competitor, David Valadao, to concede the race.
Valadao won his first election to Congress in 2012 and won again in 2014 and 2016 before losing to Cox by less than 1,000 votes in 2018. Valadao also served one term in the California State Assembly before running for Congress.
“Almost three years ago, I entered the race for California’s 21st District as an underdog. But we out-worked our opponent and pulled off the most stunning upset in Central Valley history,” said Cox. “Unfortunately, this year, due to the Coronavirus, we weren’t able to engage in door-to-door personal canvassing, and the election results reflected that.”
Cox said he was proud of his accomplishments in just two short years. He cited the 27 bills he introduced during his term, including $700 million of water infrastructure funding that he helped to pass through the House.
“Just as important, I was so happy to provide opportunities, internships, and jobs to so many young men and women from the Valley. I want to say thank you to them for considering a career in public service.”
One of his proudest moments in Congress was passing the Dream and Promise Act.
“I am also very proud of the campaign we’ve run. We didn’t engage in gutter politics. We took our message directly to the people, many of whom never knew they could have a strong voice in their federal government. I never forgot that I work for them. I want to thank my staff, 2,000 volunteers, and over 50,000 donors who believed in our campaign to Put People First.”
Cox said he hopes Valadao returns to Washington humbled by his 2018 loss and has learned he can’t discount communities like Arvin, Lamont, and Mendota places that Cox said went without visits from their congressional representative for years.
“I hope he will indeed deliver results for the Central Valley, which desperately needs a strong advocate in Washington.”
