Democrats outraising Republicans in key Congressional races Valadao, Duarte still have overall edge

Democratic candidates significantly out-raised Republicans in two key Valley Congressional races, federal election reports show, but Republicans in those races still have the cash edge.

Democrats outraising Republicans follows a trend that’s been happening across the nation.

The two Valley races are expected to be two of the nation’s closest races and are considered vital in determining which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the two races Democrats Rudy Salas and Adam Gray raised more than $1 million in the first quarter of this year. Salas is challenging Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd district, which includes Porterville, in the November general election. Gray is challenging Republican incumbent John Duarte in the 13th district.

In the 2022 and 2024 elections the first quarter of this year was the most lucrative quarter for Salas and Gray.

Salas raised $1.33 million in the first quarter while Valadao raised a little more than $672,000. But Valadao still has $1.64 million in the bank while Salas, who has used some money on campaign advertising, has $754.000 in the bank. Salas has already spent about twice as much as Valadao.

“I’m truly thankful to have so many people believe in and donate to our campaign,” Salas said in a statement.

Gray raised more than $1.03 million while Duarte, raised a little more than $580,000. But Duarte still has $1.81 million in the bank while Gray has a little more than $1.15 million.

Fundraising is key in the two races because the Central Valley is a cheaper market. The two districts were effectively won by Joe Biden in the 2020 election, but Democrats also tend to vote more conservative in the districts. The two districts are considered toss-ups.

The 13th ditrict would have elected Biden by 11 percent while the 22nd district would have elected Biden by 13 percent.