Republican David Valadao, Democrat George Whitesides win US House races in California

Republican Rep. David Valadao has won reelection in California’s 22nd Congressional District, defeating Democrat Rudy Salas for the second time. Valadao is an anomaly — an elected Republican in a heavily Democratic district in a heavily Democratic state. Democrats hold a 14-point registration edge in the Central Valley district. But Valadao has kept a grip on the seat nonetheless. Also Tuesday, The Associated Press called another California race: Former NASA chief of staff and Democrat George Whitesides won a tough race to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia in the 27th District. Garcia conceded on Monday