Villegas: Valadao is “choosing party loyalty to Trump and loyalty to his corporate sponsors over the people he represents”

Kern County, CA – Families, farmers, and workers in CA-22 are paying the price for David Valadao’s refusal to stand up to reckless tariff policies that raise costs and threaten the Central Valley’s agriculture industry.

This week, after Donald Trump signed an executive order QUADRUPLING beef imports from Argentina — undercutting Valley producers — Valadao remains silent. Just last night, when other Republicans crossed party lines to bring down costs, Valadao voted to continue tariff policies that are driving up prices on everyday goods and squeezing working families across the Central Valley.

“Our Central Valley is the backbone of California agriculture, especially when it comes to dairy and cattle farming,” said Randy Villegas. “Having represented our region for years, you’d think David Valadao would understand what these policies mean for local producers. Instead, he’s choosing loyalty to Trump and loyalty to his corporate sponsors over the people he represents — again. Why are we undercutting American Ranchers? Rather than putting the Central Valley first, Valadao continues to prioritize and fund other countries’ interests before our own. US farm bankruptcies increased by 46% in 2025; these tariffs will only continue to put the financial strain on our farmers. Today’s vote is further proof that David Valadao refuses to grow a spine and fight for our communities, our farmers, and our workers. The Central Valley deserves better; I will always fight for policies our farmers are actually advocating for.” 

####

Randy Villegas is a Central Valley native, auto repair shop owner, and a community college professor. Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, Randy worked hard to help his parents make ends meet. Randy’s family relied on the crucial federal programs like WIC and Medicaid that are now in danger of being cut. Randy worked his way out of poverty through education and has dedicated his life to public service. As a local and school board trustee Randy has delivered for working families by standing up for the best interests of our children. As the only Latino and only Democrat on the school board, Randy has worked across the aisle to get things done. Now, Randy is running for Congress to stand up for other hard-working families who he sees falling through the cracks on David Valadao’s watch.

Find out more at: www.villegasforcongress.com.