Valadao Defends Medicaid Cut Vote as California Race Tightens
KFF Health News reports from Bakersfield that Rep. David Valadao's vote for the federal tax and spending law is a central flashpoint in his competitive reelection race against challenger Randy Villegas. The law is projected to cut Medicaid spending by more than $900 billion through 2034 via stricter eligibility rules and reduced federal funding to states, with new work requirements and twice-yearly eligibility checks taking effect after the midterms. Roughly 6 in 10 constituents in Valadao's Central Valley district are enrolled in Medicaid, and researchers estimate 60,000 more district residents could lose coverage by 2034; statewide, over 2 million Californians could lose coverage and California could lose about $30 billion annually. Valadao has publicly disputed that the law cuts Medicaid, while Villegas campaigns on the law's coverage impact and a single-payer alternative.