BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Diya TV) — California Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains finished third in the June 2 primary for California’s 22nd Congressional District, ending her bid to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao. Progressive challenger Randy Villegas advanced to the November general election alongside Valadao, according to unofficial results from the California Secretary of State.
As of 2:05 p.m, Wednesday, June 3, Valadao held 44.5 percent with 18,256 votes, Villegas had 29.8 percent with 12,234 votes, and Bains stood at 25.7 percent with 10,529 votes. All 429 precincts were at least partially reporting as of June 6. Ballot counting continues through the canvass period; results will be certified July 10, 2026.
Under California’s top-two primary system, Bains’s third-place finish closed her path to November. Valadao was projected by the Associated Press to advance as early as Tuesday night. The contest between Bains and Villegas for the second qualifying slot was the primary story of the race.
Bains, a physician, positioned herself as a moderate Democrat willing to buck her party. She centered her campaign on healthcare, arguing that Valadao’s vote for the Republican budget reconciliation bill — referred to by supporters as the “Big, Beautiful Bill” — would cut Medicaid and Medicare funding that Central Valley communities depend on. Bains received backing from California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Controller Malia Cohen, and Democratic Congressman Adam Gray, who flipped a competitive Central Valley district in 2024. SEIU California and IBEW Local 428 also endorsed her campaign.
Bains also received backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which intervened in the race despite earlier indications it would remain neutral — a move that angered some local Democratic leaders.
Villegas ran on a pledge not to accept corporate campaign contributions, ultimately outraising Bains and securing endorsements from Democratic Party chairs in all four counties that make up the district. He also received an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders and is affiliated with the progressive Working Families Party. Local leaders credited his grassroots campaign with energizing voters frustrated by rising living costs, a weak job market, and concerns over cuts to government-funded healthcare programs.
On election night, Bains canceled her watch party due to an active hostage situation in downtown Bakersfield, stating she was in communication with local law enforcement and asking members of the public to avoid the area.
CA-22 spans portions of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties. Valadao won the district in 2024 with 53.4 percent of the vote against Democrat Rudy Salas. The November general election will be a rematch of party versus party, with Villegas now carrying the Democratic banner.
