As expected, Rep. TJ Cox, D-Fresno, appears headed for a rematch with Republican David Valadao, the former congressman he upset in a tight 2018 contest.
In returns from Tuesday night, Valadao was leading Cox in the 21st Congressional District race, 56% to 34%. Nearly 36% of precincts had reported.
The top two finishers will face each other in November’s general election.
“We built a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and no party preference voters throughout Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties who are ready to have Congress start working for them again,” Valadao said in a statement.
“From water to trade to the economy, everywhere I go voters want politicians to put aside the partisan fights and get to work on the issues that matter.  That’s exactly what I plan to do.  I look forward to earning voters’ support again in November.”
Two other challengers in the race, Ricardo De La Fuente and Rocky De La Fuente had received 7% and 3% of the votes.

Nunes Holds Big Lead Over Arballo

In California’s 22nd Congressional District race, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, was leading with 63% of the votes.
Democrat Phil Arballo trailed with 23%, followed by Democrat Bobby Bliatout with 10%.
Democrat Dary Rezvani was at 2.6% and independent candidate Eric Garcia had 2.2% with 99.5% of precincts reporting.