Dr. Randy Villegas, a Bakersfield native, school board trustee, and college professor, announced he has officially entered the race for California’s 22nd Congressional District, promising to bring a fresh voice to the Central Valley rooted in lived experience and community values. He said he’s running to fight for working families like the one he grew up in.
He attended local schools, including Golden Valley High, Bakersfield College, and CSUB, before earning a full-ride fellowship to UC Santa Cruz, where he completed his Ph.D.
“I always knew I wanted to come back home,” Villegas said. “The Central Valley shaped me, and now I want to give back.”
Before stepping into roles as a professor and school board trustee, Villegas got his start right here at Kern Sol News. During his time with the organization, he sharpened his skills as a writer, learned more about community issues, and began his journey into public service.
“My time at Kern Sol News played a big role in shaping who I am today,” Villegas said. “It helped me grow as a writer, as a speaker, and as someone committed to making a difference in the community.”
Now, he hopes to take those same skills to Washington, D.C. as a representative for the Central Valley.
Villagas said his campaign is focused on three main issues: jobs, healthcare, and education.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent or going to the doctor,” he said. “We need an economy and healthcare system that works for everyone, not just the rich.”
Villegas also wants to make college and trade school more affordable. “Education changed my life. Every student should have the chance to succeed without going into debt.”
Villagas is running against current Congressman David Valadao and said Valadao’s vote to cut programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and WIC is one reason he decided to run.
“I’ve met families who rely on these programs just to survive,” Villegas said. “One mom is fighting for her child’s life; she’s also having to fight to keep their health coverage. That’s just wrong…They shouldn’t have to fight their representative, too.”
Villegas also criticized Valadao’s silence during recent immigration raids in the area, he said farmworkers and children were left in fear without any support or advocacy from their congressman.
“We deserve someone who will stand up for this community, regardless of political affiliation,” Villegas said.
As a first-generation American, Villegas said he hopes his campaign will resonate with young people and immigrant families across the district. “I want them to see themselves in this campaign. We’re fighting for them.”
People who want to get involved in his campaign or attend upcoming events can find the event details on his website and social media: villegasforcongress.com.
“To go from working-class roots in Bakersfield to representing the Central Valley in Congress would be the honor of my life.”
