CALIFORNIA (KFSN) — California’s 22nd Congressional District race has become one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm election cycle, with the two candidates raising more than $11.5 million combined in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
Incumbent Rep. David Valadao has led overall fundraising, bringing in nearly $6.1 million, while challenger Randy Villegas has raised roughly $5.5 million.
“Mr. Valadao’s district is one of the ones targeted and of one of the districts that California re-districted early in the year to make Mr. Valadao even more vulnerable,” said Dr. Thomas Holyoke.
Valadao has spent $3.7 million on political advertising. Villegas spent heavily earlier in the campaign, using $4.7 million primarily on media buys and digital advertising, leaving him with about $700,000 cash on hand.
That spending gap has left Valadao with roughly three times as much money available during the final two weeks before Election Day, though spending those funds quickly could present a challenge if needed. Much of the advertising by both campaigns is aimed at encouraging voters to return their ballots.
“When we do have a race that generate interest, often times at the top, gubernatorial or president, whether it be a District race like this one it does generate additional participation within that race so we could see some higher participation in Congressional District 22,” said James Kus, Fresno County’s registrar of voters.
The candidates have relied on different fundraising bases. Villegas’ campaign has been driven by small-dollar donors, while Valadao has received larger contributions, including $2 million from political action committees.
California residents account for the largest share of individual contributions to both campaigns, though out-of-state fundraising has also played a significant role. Valadao has received nearly $900,000 from conservative groups in Florida and Texas, while Villegas has raised about $200,000 from Democratic donors in New York and Massachusetts.
“I think Mr. Villegas is probably going to be able to bring in more money. The democrats will be looking at districts in need and they’re going to have the money to spend. I think there’s going to be a lot of advertising in media and social media on both sides of this and to help turn out the vote,” Holyoke said.
With two weeks remaining before Election Day, the campaigns have taken different approaches, with Villegas spending aggressively early to boost his name recognition and Valadao retaining a larger cash reserve. Voters in the Central Valley will ultimately decide which strategy proves more effective.
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