SELMA – Today, TJ Cox, Democratic candidate for the 21st Congressional District, extended his lead over Republican Congressman David Valadao. When Kings County released its final vote totals, Mr. Cox gained a net 70 votes and now leads Congressman Valadao by 506 votes.
Previously, votes in Kings County heavily favored Congressman Valadao who received 62.7%, compared to 37.3% for Mr. Cox. In the recent update, Mr. Cox won 52.4% of the 1,438 remaining votes. While there are outstanding ballots in Fresno and Kern counties, these votes have heavily favored Mr. Cox in the updates since Election Day.
Mr. Cox released the following statement:
“I am elated to announce that we have won the election for California’s 21st Congressional District. I want to thank my wife Kathy and our entire family for their love and support throughout this campaign. I could not have done this without them.
I also want to thank the staff, volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly to make this win a reality. Even when the outlook may have seemed dim, they never gave up. This campaign was fueled by their energy and passion to make a positive difference in lives of the hard-working people here in the Central Valley.
And I would like to thank Congressman David Valadao and his family for their six years of service to our country and the communities of the 21st District.
Voters across the district resonated with our message of expanding health care, creating good jobs, and fighting for our families' futures. I am truly humbled to have received so much support. I am honored to be the next Representative serving all of our communities throughout the 21st District. Now that the election is over, it’s time to get to work.”