U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an icon of the progressive movement, will appear Sunday in Bakersfield at a rally on behalf of Democratic House candidate Randy Villegas.

The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Bakersfield High School’s Harvey Auditorium. Event coordinators ask that attendees register in advance at this link.

Villegas, a Visalia Unified School District trustee and community college instructor, is challenging incumbent Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, in the 22nd District.

The race is attracting national attention and massive campaign contributions on both sides as it figures to be critical in deciding which party controls the House.

Will Sanders’ Appearance Energize Voters?

According to a Politico analysis of his alignment with Sanders, Villegas “is betting Sanders can energize voters in a swing district where conventional wisdom says his politics are a tough sell.”

By finishing ahead of Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, a fellow Democrat, in the primary, Villegas eliminated a traditional “Valleycrat” who had bucked Sacramento progressives on occasion.

The Cook Political Report rates the Valadao-Villegas race a “tossup,” while Sabato’s Crystal Ball says that the contest “leans Democrat.”