David Valadao — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in California, 2026

David Valadao voted against the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act in 2026, though he expressed disappointment it failed, noting it would have strengthened the border and provided Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship. He supported H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, after ensuring language addressed E-Verify impacts on agriculture and advocating for a legal and reliable workforce for farmers. He also signed a bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on immigration reform proposals, including DACA.

““Many industries in the Central Valley, including agriculture, rely heavily on immigrant labor. While these workers play an essential role in feeding America, many of them live in fear because of our broken immigration system,” said Congressman Valadao. “We need to ensure our farmers have access to a legal and reliable workforce and streamline the process for the future flow of workers.” (Congressman Valadao, Statement on Secure the Border Act, valadao.house.gov)”

David Valadao voted with Democrats to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies in 2026. He also voted for a bill that included Medicaid cuts, stating his aim was to preserve the program for its intended recipients—children, pregnant women, the disabled, and elderly—and to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. He indicated that he worked with leadership to remove some concerning policy changes from the bill.

““Making health care more affordable and accessible for the families I represent remains my top priority, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues on solutions that help achieve that goal,” Valadao said in a Jan. 8 statement.”

David Valadao is a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. He supported an amendment to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure and energy projects, stating that timely reviews are critical for economic progress and achieving national climate and infrastructure goals without undue environmental harm. His stated focus includes modernizing energy infrastructure, bolstering America's energy security, and building a 21st-century energy and manufacturing workforce.

David Valadao states he does not support a federal abortion ban, believing policy decisions on the issue should be left to the states following the Dobbs decision. He previously voted in favor of a 20-week abortion ban in 2017. Although he co-sponsored the "Life at Conception" bill in 2022, he later removed himself as a co-sponsor of fetal personhood legislation and has stated he supports exceptions for rape or incest.

““I do not support a federal abortion ban. The Dobbs decision decided this was an issue left to the states and that’s where I believe policy on the issue should be decided.” — David Valadao, Republican, Calif. 22 (The New York Times)”

David Valadao has consistently supported national defense, voting to pass the Final FY26, FY25, and FY23 National Defense Authorization Acts. He emphasizes that the government's primary role is national defense and ensuring the military has necessary resources, training, and equipment to protect the nation's interests and freedoms. He actively supports the Navy's decision to homebase F-35C Joint Strike Fighters at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

“The primary role of the United States government is providing for our national defense. September 11, 2001, reminded us that our military must have the resources it needs to defend our nation’s interests abroad and protect us from those who would attack us at home. Even in these times of fiscal austerity, we must ensure our men and women in uniform receive the training and equipment they need to defend the freedoms we as Americans enjoy every day. - David Valadao, Official Website”

David Valadao advocates for education reform, emphasizing local control and individualized K-12 strategies over federal approaches. He views education as a pathway to success and essential for addressing national issues. Valadao has introduced the bipartisan Partnering Aspiring Teachers with High-Need Schools (PATHS) to Tutor Act to expand education access and legislation to support early childhood educators. He also supports expanding vocational and trade school options.

“I believe education is the pathway to success and everyone should have access to the tools they need to accomplish their goals. (David Valadao, valadao.house.gov and valadaoforcongress.com)”

David Valadao has an "A" rating and is endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund. He cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation intended to allow individuals with valid concealed handgun permits to carry in other states. Valadao voted for legislation prohibiting Operation Choke Point and signed a letter opposing any international treaty by the United Nations that would impose restrictions on American gun owners. He opposes bans on guns, ammunition, magazines, and universal background checks.