# Randy Villegas

> Randy Villegas is a progressive community organizer backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders who won the Democratic primary for California's 22nd Congressional District to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. David Valadao.

## Key facts

- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives
- Current office: Community Organizer
- State: CA
- District: 22
- Race: California's 22nd Congressional District 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Fresno, CA
- Race rating: Toss-up
- Campaign website: https://www.randyvillegas.com

## Biography

Randy Villegas is a progressive community organizer from Fresno, California, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders. He won the Democratic primary for California's 22nd Congressional District in June 2026, defeating more moderate Democratic candidates including state Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains. He will face Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao in the November general election.

## Background

- Professional background: Community organizer

## Issue positions

### healthcare-single-payer (healthcare)

Randy Villegas explicitly supports Medicare for All. This position would eliminate private insurance for 180+ million Americans. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has documented risks of provider shortages and longer wait times under such a system. Canada's single-payer system, for example, produces a median 30-week wait from GP referral to specialist treatment (Fraser Institute 2025). Patients would lose the ability to choose their own doctor or insurer.

Evidence: National Nurses United endorsement, CBO documentation, Fraser Institute 2025 report

### taxation-working-families-tax-cuts (taxation)

Randy Villegas wants to repeal the Working Families Tax Cuts. This action would restore income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers and on overtime for 80+ million hourly workers. It would also restore income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees and cut the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child. Furthermore, it would reduce the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers, eliminate the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, and reverse increased Medicare payments to rural providers, constituting the largest tax increase in American history.

Evidence: NRCC statement, analysis of Working Families Tax Cuts provisions

### immigration-ice-enforcement (immigration)

Randy Villegas stated that 'ICE is detaining indiscriminately'. This position indicates a stance against current ICE enforcement practices. His support for this view suggests a potential shift in immigration policy towards reduced enforcement or altered detention protocols.

Evidence: Villegas public statement, Latino Victory Fund support

### labor-pro-act (labor)

Randy Villegas explicitly supports the PRO Act. This legislation would override right-to-work laws in 27 states, eliminating independent contractor status for millions of gig workers. It would also expose employers to secondary boycott liability and increase small business compliance costs.

Evidence: UAW endorsement, California Teachers Association endorsement, Working Families Party endorsement, PRO Act provisions

### energy-climate (energy)

Randy Villegas is endorsed by several environmental advocacy groups, including Food & Water Action, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Oil Change Action, and Friends of the Earth Action. This indicates a strong alignment with policies aimed at addressing climate change and promoting environmental protection. His position suggests support for initiatives that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels and advocate for sustainable energy practices.

Evidence: Endorsements from Food & Water Action, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Oil Change Action, Friends of the Earth Action

## Ratings & scorecards (as published by the issuing organizations)

- League of Conservation Voters Action Fund: Endorsed (2026) — Environment & Climate
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund: Endorsed (2026) — Reproductive Rights
- Giffords (Gun Safety): Endorsed (2026) — Gun Safety

## Opponents in this race

- [Adam Gray](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/adam-gray-ca13-2026.md) — Democratic
- [Chuong Vo](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/chuong-vo-ca45-2026.md) — Republican
- [Derek Tran](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/derek-tran-ca45-2026.md) — Democratic
- [David Valadao](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/david-valadao-ca22-2026.md) — Republican
- [Kevin Lincoln](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/kevin-lincoln-ca13-2026.md) — Republican

## Sources

- Two California congressional races will test Democrats' redrawn map — KVPR: https://www.kvpr.org/government-politics/2026-06-09/two-california-congressional-races-will-test-democrats-redrawn-us-house-map
- California's 22nd Congressional District election, 2026 — Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/California%27s_22nd_Congressional_District_election,_2026
- Headshot identity source — Randy Villegas: https://www.villegasforcongress.com/

Last updated: 2026-07-19T20:19:04.719Z

---

Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/randy-villegas-ca22-2026
This is the Markdown version of the page. Cite the canonical URL above.