For a year, the Republican Party’s standard-bearer Donald Trump has spewed hatred, racism, and divisiveness. On day one, Trump suggested Mexican immigrants were drug dealers, criminals, and rapists. On day one.
Despite countless comments like that, vulnerable Congressman Valadao said last fall he would support the eventual nominee even if it were Donald Trump.
Now, all of a sudden, after more than a year of reckless and racist rhetoric, Valadao thinks he can get away with avoiding Trump.
“The only thing that has changed is that David Valadao has exposed himself as a say-anything politician in deep trouble,” said Barb Solish of the DCCC. “Valadao’s words are too little, too late. Running from Trump is no longer an option, and Valadao must accept the reality that he is on the Trump ticket.”
Past data predicts increased turnout in California’s 21st district this presidential year, particularly among women and Latinos, which favors Democrats. Donald Trump continues to have astronomically high disapproval ratings among Latinos, who make up the majority – over 73% – of the 21st District’s population. Whether he likes it or not, Valadao is now the Central Valley face of a Republican Party brand that is toxic to voters in a diverse district that voted for President Obama in both 2008 and 2012.