Trump endorses Tom McClintock for Congress in California primary, is silent on Valadao
Rep. Tom McClintock got former President Donald Trump’s endorsement Sunday for another House term, as the former president said the congressman has worked to “reject the woke mob trying to destroy our country.”
Another Republican incumbent, Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, did not receive Trump’s backing. Valadao, running in a swing district, was one of 10 Republicans to vote to impeach Trump last year.
McClintock, a seven-term representative running in the new 5th Congressional District, won a perfect rating last year from the American Conservative Union. During Trump’s presidency, he was a stalwart ally and defender.
McClintock already appeared to be coasting towards an easy victory in Tuesday’s primary, and is regarded as a strong favorite to win November by independent analysts.
The new district, drawn based on 2020 census data, includes areas east of Sacramento down to the Fresno region. Trump won about 55% of the vote in the district in 2020.
Trump had lavish praise and condolences for the congressman Sunday.
“During my administration, Tom worked with me to deliver historic tax cuts, relief from burdensome regulations, and unprecedented economic success,” Trump said. “Tom is fighting to secure our border, restore American energy independence, hold Joe Biden accountable, and reject the work mob trying to destroy our country.”
He noted that McClintock “lost his wonderful wife, Lori, six months ago, and while devastating, he is working harder than ever.”
McClintock was first elected to Congress in 2008, and has since compiled a consistently conservative voting record. The ACU rated him the California’s delegation’s most conservative member last year.
He has a 98.3% lifetime rating from the ACU. He voted against impeaching Trump last year, and opposed a plan to establish a commission to investigate the 2021 Capitol insurrection.
Among his challengers Tuesday is Republican Nathan Magsig, a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
Trump announced his support for other California House members Sunday, including Reps. Doug LaMalfa, R-Oroville, Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia, Darrell Issa, R-San Marcos and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield.
Last month, Trump endorsed Rocklin Assemblyman Kevin Kiley for the 3rd District seat. Kiley is running against Republican Scott Jones, the Sacramento County sheriff, and Democrat Kermit Jones, a physician. McClintock has endorsed Scott Jones.
This story was originally published June 5, 2022 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Trump endorses Tom McClintock for Congress in California primary, is silent on Valadao."
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