David G. Valadao is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing California's 22nd congressional district. Born on April 13, 1952, in Fresno, California, he graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1970 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno in 1974. Before entering Congress, Valadao served in the California State Assembly from 2008 until 2012, and then in the California State Senate from 2012 to 2013. He was first elected to the House of Representatives on January 3, 2013, and has been reelected multiple times since.
In the current Congress, Valadao serves on several key committees, including the House Appropriations Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping federal funding priorities. His legislative focus is especially evident in his sponsorship and co-sponsorship of various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues such as agriculture, energy, and emergency response.
One of Valadao's notable contributions is as the sponsor of the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2025 (HB836), which seeks to enhance wildfire response capabilities through the evaluation of aerial firefighting technologies. This initiative reflects his commitment to addressing the challenges posed by wildfires, particularly crucial given the frequent and devastating fires in California.
Additionally, he has taken an active role in agricultural legislation, supporting the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025 (HB1086), which aims to double funding for programs that bolster U.S. agricultural exports. This increase in funding is intended to support the competitive standing of American farmers in the global market.
Valadao also co-sponsored the Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2025 (HB1105), which aims to enhance the resilience of homes against natural disasters by providing grants to states for pre-disaster mitigation activities. This legislation underscores his ongoing efforts to support his constituents in California, where such disasters have significant impacts.
Defining Valadao's political leanings, his support for agriculture and disaster resilience indicates a pragmatic approach rooted in the needs of his district, which is heavily reliant on farming and grapples with environmental challenges. His focus on both economic development and emergency preparedness points to a bipartisan approach aimed at finding common ground on critical issues affecting his constituents.
Valadao is married and has four children, living in Hanford, California. His background in agriculture, combined with his legislative pursuits, provides a deep understanding of the local community's challenges and priorities. This connection to his roots informs his work in Congress, where he advocates for agricultural interests and public safety initiatives, reflecting the values and needs of the diverse populations he represents.