In Medicaid Reliant District, Dr. Bains Takes On GOP Rep For Backing Trump’s Cuts

India-West News Desk

DELANO, CA — After months of speculation and political signals, Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) officially entered the race for California’s 22nd Congressional District on July 16, setting the stage for a 2026 showdown against Republican incumbent David Valadao.

Bains, a physician and state legislator representing parts of Kern County, had been hinting at a possible run for months. Her announcement comes on the heels of an aggressive advertising campaign spotlighting President Trump’s cuts to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, and sharply criticizing Valadao’s recent votes in Congress.

Roughly two-thirds of the district’s population relies on Medi-Cal, making the issue a likely flashpoint in the upcoming race. The 22nd District includes parts of Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties—a region where health access and affordability are constant political concerns.

“I’m trying to see as many patients as I can, because Congress is trying to cut their Medi-Cal—Tell Congressman Valadao to stop these cuts on Medi-Cal,” Bains was shown saying in a widely aired TV ad, before the passage of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’

In a social media post Bains leaned into her background as a family doctor, accusing Valadao of voting “for the largest cut to health care in history” when he supported Trump.

Valadao, who has represented the district for a decade, is facing criticism from opponents who argue that his vote could dramatically impact Medi-Cal recipients in the district.

Though Valadao previously signaled reservations about the Senate version of the bill—saying he wouldn’t back anything that jeopardized Medi-Cal—he ultimately voted in favor each time it came before the House.

Bains enters the race as the second Democrat vying for the seat, joining college professor Randy Villegas. But party insiders believe Bains is likely the frontrunner, citing her existing name recognition, her medical background, and her moderate reputation in the state Assembly.