Valadao Challenges Cox to Congressional TV Debates

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 7 years ago on

August 20, 2018

In political circles, the underdog usually issues the challenge to debate. But in California’s 21st congressional district the incumbent is calling out his rival.
Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) challenged Democrat TJ Cox to two televised debates Monday.
“I am very excited to discuss the issues that matter most to our community, from improving access to much-needed water to investing in career-technical education to delivering on our commitment to veterans,” Valadao said in a news release.

Cox Accepts

“We’re happy to debate, and we’ll reply very shortly,” Cox told GV Wire.
Valadao’s proposal calls for two debates Oct. 25. One would be a one-hour forum on KSEE-24 and KGET-17 in Bakersfield (both are NBC affiliates owned by Nexstar). The second debate would be in Spanish with “no interpreters or voice-over translators” to air for 30 minutes on Telemundo.
National poll watchers have mixed opinions on the race. FiveThirtyEight’s Nate Silver gives Cox a 64.34% probability of winning. However, Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball say the district is likely Republican.
According to the Secretary of State, CA-21 has 45% Democratic registration and 28% Republican.

History on Valadao’s Side

Valadao led Cox in the June primary, 63%-37%.
Valadao won the House seat in 2012 with 58% of the vote. He has been reelected by similar margins — 58% in 2014 and 57% in 2016.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email