California Democrats Split on CA-22 Strategy as Villegas Leads Delegates and Bains Cites Electability
Next week’s state convention endorsement could shape consolidation before the June top-two primary in a district central to the House majority.
Overview
- A pre-convention delegate tally shows Randy Villegas with 55% support to Jasmeet Bains’ 45%, signaling a grassroots edge heading into the party gathering.
- SEIU California–funded polling found Bains running even with Republican Rep. David Valadao, while Villegas trailed the incumbent.
- Villegas reports roughly $100,000 more cash on hand than Bains after pledging to reject corporate donations, according to campaign finance records.
- Establishment groups including SEIU California and Emily’s List back Bains, while Villegas is endorsed by the Working Families Party and Sen. Bernie Sanders and has hired strategist Morris Katz.
- Both campaigns say they will support whichever Democrat advances from California’s top-two primary in June in the conservative-leaning Central Valley seat where many Hispanic voters moved toward Trump in 2024.