Former Republican Rep. David Valadao defeated Democratic Rep. TJ Cox in California’s 21st Congressional District, according to a call made by the Associated Press on Friday morning.
Valadao’s win returns the district to Republican control, as the race was a rematch between Cox, 56, and Valadao, 42. The seat was a prime target this cycle for the GOP to flip after Valadao, who previously represented the district, lost the seat to Cox in 2018 by just under 1,000 votes, making it the seventh-closest House race in 2018 out of 435 seats.
Valadao previously declared victory on Wednesday after Decision Desk HQ called the race, making him the third California Republican to flip a congressional district in California this cycle.
“As vote counts come to a close, I am honored to receive the support of #CA21 voters and look forward to returning to Congress to represent the Central Valley. Thank you to those who have worked tirelessly to make the voice of the Valley heard this election!” Valadao tweeted.
Only one California House race, the 25th Congressional District, is still uncalled and is currently favoring Republican Rep. Mike Garcia over Democratic Assemblywoman Christy Smith in the ballot count.
The Cook Political Report rated the election as a toss-up, and the race became as intense as their 2018 faceoff, with the candidates making similar accusations about one another from two years prior.
California’s 21st District includes all of Kings County and parts of Tulare, Fresno, and Kern counties.
Valadao was first elected to the House in 2012 and served on the House Appropriations Committee, while Cox is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and serves on the House Natural Resources Committee.
