Congressional Races: Costa Declares Victory, Nunes Up, Cox Close

There is a point on a country road south of Fresno where the three congressional districts representing a bulk of the county intersect.

Lone Star Elementary School sits just south of the line in TJ Cox’s district. To the west of boundary is are trees growing with produce in Jim Costa’s district; to the east the is ag firm Sheehan Genetics in Devin Nunes’ district.

Those three congressman faced reelection today.

Here is a look at where the races stand on Election Night as results come through for the congressional districts in and around Fresno County.

At this point on Fowler Avenue south of Fresno, three congressional districts intersect: 16, 21, 22. (GV Wire/David Taub)

Congressional District 21

Congressman TJ Cox (left) and David Valadao (GV Wire File)

This is expected to be the tightest race locally, if not the entire country. TJ Cox (D-Fresno) is defending his seat, won in 2018 by just 862 votes. David Valadao (R-Hanford) is hoping to regain the seat covering Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties.

Results as of 11:15 p.m.

Fresno and Kings counties are now 100% precincts reporting. Kern County still has plenty of votes to update.

Cox will wait out the count.

“Over the last month, the people of the Valley spoke out and voted in the most consequential election of our lifetimes, and they did so amid the largest public health crisis in recent history. The health and safety of California’s 21st district is my top priority. Although I wasn’t able to meet with constituents like I did last election, it was great connecting with voters from a distance on the phones and at the polls today. I’m proud to have run an innovative campaign that reinvented voter contact in order to keep everyone safe during the Covid-19 crisis. We owe it to the Valley to get this right, and ensure each and every vote is counted, no matter who wins. Tonight I’m urging the Central Valley to take a pause, so every voice can be heard,” Cox said via email.

Congressman TJ Cox at his election night event at his Selma campaign office (Image: Cox campaign)

Congressional Race 22

Incumbent Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) has a sizable fundraising advantage with more than $23 million raised over Phil Arballo (D-Fresno). The district represents Fresno and Tulare counties.

Results as of 11:15 p.m.

Precincts for both counties, Fresno and Tulare, have reported 100% and Nunes leads by more than 11,000 votes.

Arballo is not conceding, in an email statement.

“While DC insiders and pundits predicted this race was a long shot, tonight’s results reflect the tremendous grassroots energy that we have always known existed across the district. The people of the Central Valley are tired of having an absent representative and are ready for change, and that shows in the record shattering turnout. We are in a position to win this race and with thousands of votes still outstanding, every vote must be counted,” Arballo said.

Congressional District 16: Costa Declares Victory

Congressman Jim Costa and Kevin Cookingham (GV Wire File)Jim Costa (D-Fresno) is running for his ninth term. Former educator Kevin Cookingham (R-Madera County) is hoping to end his streak. The district covers Fresno, Madera and Merced counties.

Results as of 11:15 p.m.:

Costa with a 32,000 vote lead has declared victory.

“I would like to thank the voters of the valley for their overwhelming support. I want to get back to Congress and begin working on a national healthcare plan to deal with this pandemic and we also need a major infrastructure package for water transportation and schools,” Costa told GV Wire℠ via text.

@KevCookingham thanks @FresnoCountyGOP at result watching party in #Clovis pic.twitter.com/jSOePrmsbJ

— David Taub (@TaubGVWire) November 4, 2020