BAKERSFIELD, CA — In response to Randy Villegas’s projected top two finish in California’s 22nd Congressional District, Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party, has released the following statement:

“The DC establishment spent millions to defeat Randy, because he’s not in the pocket of their corporate donors. Now, he’s headed to a general election against Trump yes-man David Valadao, who voted to slash Medicaid and WIC benefits. We know that Valadao and his corporate backers will spend outrageous amounts of money to stop Randy, but you can only screw over working people so many times before it comes back to bite you.” 

BACKGROUND ON WFP INVOLVEMENT IN CA-22:

• The Working Families Party PAC led an independent expenditure coalition that brought together more than a dozen organizations and unions and spent roughly $3 million. The Working Families Party spent $675,000 on the race, including three different ads on digital streaming services (CTV, Youtube) and $250,000 on broadcast and television. 
• The Working Families Party PAC also sent 75,000 texts, talked to 30,000 voters on the phones, and sent a slate mailer to 10,000 working class voters in the district. 
• Was an early endorser and strategic partner throughout the campaign. Advised on narrative and messaging, strategic decision-making, and campaign infrastructure. 
• Provided support on earned media, social media, and design. 
• Mobilized its members and volunteers for weekly phonebanks and regular canvasses in support of Randy. 
• Held a Pathways to Power event that brought together over a 100 people to participate in volunteer activities with priority WFP candidates, including Randy.
• Boosted the campaign to our national membership through mass emails and social media.

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