Villegas, who received backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders, is challenging Republican Rep. David Valadao this November. The contest centers on California’s 22nd Congressional District, a competitive Central Valley seat. Democrats have identified the district as a major opportunity to gain another Republican-held House seat. Meanwhile, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently considers the district a toss-up.
Villegas works as a political science professor at College of the Sequoias and serves on the Visalia school board. His academic work has increasingly drawn attention as voters examine his views about education and political activism. In a 2022 academic publication, Villegas described diversity, equity and inclusion as central responsibilities for community college educators. He also connected classroom teaching with broader questions involving accessibility, community conditions and social justice.
Furthermore, Villegas argued that educators should consider students’ social and economic circumstances when developing educational approaches. He presented diversity and inclusion as responsibilities extending beyond classrooms into surrounding communities. Consequently, his academic writings have become part of the broader debate surrounding his political positions and campaign.
Villegas also discussed activism directly in his doctoral dissertation at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He described himself as a former community organizer and scholar activist while examining his experiences through academic research. Additionally, he argued that activism could complement scholarly work rather than necessarily undermine academic objectivity. He maintained that personal experiences and perspectives could provide researchers with valuable insights.
Throughout his academic work, Villegas described participating in grassroots demonstrations and community organizing efforts. Those activities included immigrant-rights protests, May Day demonstrations and campaigns involving broader social issues. He also questioned whether educational institutions sufficiently encouraged students to participate in political life. Instead, he praised community organizations for encouraging young people to become engaged citizens and advocates.
In 2018, Villegas helped lead Central Valley Freedom Summer, which connected students with community organizations. The program focused on voter registration, civic participation and grassroots organizing throughout California’s Central Valley. Participants addressed issues including immigration, LGBTQ rights, environmental concerns and racial inequality during their activities. Therefore, the initiative has become another focus for opponents examining Villegas’ political and educational record.
Some organizations connected with the program later pursued independent activism involving social and cultural issues. One participating group, Jakara Movement, later advocated removing a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Another organization associated with former participants, LOUD for Tomorrow, describes itself as youth-led and focused on queer and transgender communities.
Republican critics have consequently portrayed Villegas as closely aligned with progressive activism and left-wing political causes. However, Villegas’ campaign has emphasized criticism of Valadao rather than directly addressing questions about his academic writings. His campaign accused Valadao of supporting policies that could reduce healthcare and food assistance for Central Valley residents.
Those remarks referenced Valadao’s support for President Donald Trump’s major tax and spending legislation. Democrats have criticized the legislation over projected reductions to Medicaid and potential effects on healthcare coverage. Valadao’s campaign has not publicly responded to every allegation raised by Villegas’ representatives.
The race could therefore become a closely watched contest as both parties compete for House control. Moreover, the district’s narrow partisan balance makes candidate records especially important during the campaign. DEI advocacy will likely remain part of the discussion surrounding Villegas as voters evaluate his background.
Ultimately, the election will test whether Democrats can convert their organizational advantages into victory. At the same time, Valadao will seek another term by emphasizing his record and connection with Central Valley voters. The competing campaigns are expected to intensify their efforts as November approaches.
