BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Former congressman David Valadao's campaign has declared victory over incumbent Democrat TJ Cox for California's 21st congressional district race.
"I’m once again overwhelmed by the Central Valley’s support and faith in me," Valadao said in a news release.
"To everyone who fueled this campaign putting in long hours making phone calls, knocking doors and believing in this cause – thank you! I could not have done it without you. I commend TJ Cox for running a strong campaign and thank him for his service in Congress."
The race for the 21st District was always anticipated to be a close one. Cox and Valadao faced off in 2018, when Cox was deemed the victor by a margin of less than 1,000 votes.
T.J. Cox posted the following statement on Facebook:
Almost three years ago, I entered this race as an underdog. But we out-worked our opponent and pulled off the most stunning upset in Central Valley history. However, it took a while. 2018 taught us it’s not over until every vote is counted. Taking that lesson to heart, I do not plan to make a statement on the outcome of the election until every vote is counted and we have the final results, certified by all four counties in this district.
Regardless of the final certified results of this election, I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished in two short years. We reached out to every corner of the district and worked to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities throughout the Central Valley. The twenty-seven bills we introduced in our first term placed us as one of the most productive and prolific Members of Congress to ever come from the Valley. I fought for water, to expand access to quality affordable healthcare and to protect your Social Security and Medicare benefits. I was a proud yes vote on the Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to legal status for thousands of DREAMers in the Valley. I never forget that I work for the people.
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 hope everyone enjoys a safe Thanksgiving. I know this year I’m especially grateful for the love and health of my wife, my mother, and my four kids. I also look forward to Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties finishing and certifying their counts as quickly as possible, because we can’t waste a minute to tackle the big issues facing Central Valley working families and small businesses.
