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◆ Mixed look for VillegasElections / Campaigns

Will Democrats’ midterm wave reach California’s Central Valley? Bernie Sanders rallies the vote

Villegas used the rally to make his case to Central Valley voters and criticize incumbent David Valadao.

Will Democrats’ midterm wave reach California’s Central Valley? Bernie Sanders rallies the vote
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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13 stories · 80–85 · updated Oct 10, 2026

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Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied in Bakersfield for congressional candidate Randy Villegas, who is challenging Republican Rep. David Valadao in a closely watched Central Valley race. The story examines whether Democratic enthusiasm can carry into a historically conservative district.

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Democratic congressional candidate supported by Sanders

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who rallied support for Randy Villegas and other Democratic candidates

Sanders's version of this story ↗

Representative who appeared at the rally

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President criticized in remarks at the rally

Assemblymember and Villegas’s former Democratic primary opponent

Republican incumbent whom Villegas is challenging

Kevin McCarthy
Former U.S. Representative (R-CA)

Former House Speaker associated with the school where the rally was held

ALSO MENTIONED  Cathy Abernathy, Republican strategist who supports Valadao; Jane Kim, Insurance commissioner candidate who appeared at the rally; Victor Martinez, Republican mayor of Mendota who spoke at the rally

Part of a bigger story

5 OUTLETS
Bernie Sanders Rallies for Randy Villegas in California’s Central Valley

Bernie Sanders rallied in Bakersfield for Randy Villegas, a Democratic candidate challenging Rep. David Valadao in California’s 22nd District. Center outlets frame the rally as part of a competitive Central Valley race, with some emphasizing whether progressive politics can gain traction and others focusing on the rally and criticism of Valadao.

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