Primary Election Results
Delano Guardians’ (501(c)(3) President brings primary voting information to her neighbors.
Democrat Rudy Salas will face off against Republican incumbent David Valadao once again in November’s general election. Salas received only 888 votes fewer than Valadao. Because there was another Democrat on the ballot along with a second Republican, there was a distinct possibility that two Democrats or two Republicans could win both slots, but it didn’t happen! Salas prevailed against Melissa Hurtado, his Democratic opponent, who has now endorsed him. That’s good news!
Salas’ clear win over both the second Democrat and second Republican on the primary ballot and coming in a close second to the incumbent is a great tribute to the combined efforts of so many people and organizations, especially the grassroots groups supported by CVM as well as the many, many efforts of volunteers like you. Rudy’s success demonstrates the importance of YOUR donations, phone calls, postcards and canvassing. Thank you for all that you have contributed to this effort to flip CD22. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can win. Let’s keep it up!
Putting Low Voter Turnout in Perspective: Not a Predictor of a General Election
Turnout for midterm elections is always smaller than in the general election. This year was no exception except that turnout was historically low statewide in California. At 34%, it was the second lowest primary voter turnout in almost 100 years. Notably, the 3 counties in CD22—Kern (29%), Kings (28%) and Tulare (28%)—were little different from Los Angeles (29%), Fresno (30%) and Merced (29%).
General Elections are different! People vote in November—they know it really, really matters. In 2020, the three counties’ turnout for the primary and general elections were: Kern (40.61%; then 72.60%); Kings (38.12%; then 73.95%) and Tulare (40.20% then 74.49%). Your support for our groups could make turnout even better this November!
Clearly, our grassroots groups, volunteers, and the candidates all have more work to do to get those registered voters to vote, to register those eligible to vote, and to educate, inspire, and empower the people in Congressional District 22.
Our grassroots groups have the energy, the relationships, and engagement to help make this happen. Your volunteerism provides an added boost to supplement those efforts. Together we can win. As Dolores Huerta and Central Valley activists famously say, “Sí se puede!”
Valley Voices 501(c)(3) works to get new citizens naturalized and educated to vote.