Valadao recently returned to the seat he held before being unseated by Democrat TJ Cox in 2018. This week, former Fresno City Councilman Chris Mathys, a Republican, said he too plans to run for Valadao’s seat in Congress.
“I am running for Congress because the people in the Central Valley deserve better; they deserve a representative with a proven track record and the experience and the leadership skills necessary to solve real problems,” said Parra in a press release. “As a member of the California State Assembly, I always put the needs of my district above partisan politics.”
Parra served in the State Assembly from 2002 to 2008, representing the 30th Assembly District. The Central Valley Democrat is a familiar figure in Kings County and much of the Central Valley. Her father was a longtime Kern County Supervisor. Parra also served for several years as a Hanford aide to former Congressman Calvin Dooley.
Parra said her campaign would focus on COIVD-19 Recovery, Healthcare, Energy, Water, Jobs, and Immigration in the Central Valley.
“Decades of public service have taught me that a member of Congress should be honest, empathetic, courageous, humble, practical, intelligent, and always be willing to put the people’s interests before their own. It is time for new leadership and a fresh approach in the 21st Congressional District.”