The intra-party battle for one of the nation’s most highly-coveted Congressional seats is still a campaign finance dogfight.
Fundraising reports for the 21st Congressional district show progressive Visalia Unified Trustee Randy Villegas (D-Visalia) holding an ever-narrow edge in cash over establishment pick Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield).
Driving the news: Villegas closed out the first quarter of 2026 raising $450,909.46 and ending March with $718,980.45 in the bank.
- Bains ended the period raising $457,226.60 and ending the first quarter with $700,531.95 on-hand.
- Rep, David Valadao (R-Hanford), the longtime south Valley rep, closed out the first quarter raising $757,243.06 and expanded his war chest to $2,880,261.02.
What they’re saying: “Since announcing for Congress, Dr. Bains’ campaign is proud to have raised more money and spent less than her opponent,” Bains spokesperson Charlie Goldstein told The Bakersfield Californian. “Dr. Bains is the only Democrat in this race who has lived in and served this district, has won tough elections here, and who can beat David Valadao in November.”
- “Central Valley is making it clear that Congressman David Valadao has earned their trust,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Christian Martinez said in a statement. “He isn’t just running a campaign, he’s running the scoreboard. While Democrats are too busy knifing each other behind closed doors, voters are lining up behind proven leadership, and it shows in the numbers.”
- Villegas “has accomplished [a fundraising lead] thanks to his grassroots donors. He has taken $0 from corporations unlike his opponents, who have been bankrolled over their careers from many of the same corporations ripping off working families like PG&E, UnitedHealth, and Comcast,” his campaign said in a statement.
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