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Jasmeet Bains concedes California Congressional bid
The physician and California assemblymember finished third in the CA-22 primary, as Democrat Randy Villegas advanced to face Republican Rep. David Valadao in November.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 10, Jun 2026
- 15:09 EDT
- 56
Jasmeet Bains / Screengrab from the ad
California State Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains conceded her bid for California's 22nd Congressional District after finishing third in the June 10 primary, thanking supporters and pledging to continue advocating for healthcare and Central Valley communities.
In a statement released after the election, Bains expressed gratitude to supporters and reflected on her campaign.
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"My heart is full of gratitude for the trust and hard work so many have placed in this campaign," Bains said. "As the first Sikh American elected to the California State Assembly, I am humbled by the outpouring of support from our community."
— Jasmeet Bains, M.D. (@DrJasmeetBains) June 10, 2026
Bains said plans to gather with supporters on election night were canceled after authorities requested that people avoid downtown Bakersfield because of an emergency situation.
"While I had looked forward to gathering with supporters on election night, we respected requests from law enforcement to avoid Downtown Bakersfield during an emergency situation," she said. "My team and I were honored to deliver food from the party to feed the first responders who worked overnight to free the hostages and keep our community safe."
A family physician, Bains said her decision to run for Congress was driven by concerns about healthcare and the needs of her patients.
"I ran for Congress because my patients' health care came under attack, and my oath as a doctor would not let me stand on the sidelines," she said.
Although her campaign has ended, Bains said her commitment to public service remains unchanged.
"I will never accept that the Valley must settle for less, not on health care, not on jobs, and not on the future every Valley kid deserves," Bains said. "You can count on me to keep doing what I've done my entire career: caring for my patients and constituents as a family doctor — serving the community that raised me."
With ballots counted through June 10, incumbent Republican Rep. David Valadao led the field with about 44.5 percent of the vote, while Democrat Randy Villegas received more than 32 percent, securing the second spot in California's top-two primary system.
Bains trailed in third place with roughly 26 percent of the vote, ending her congressional campaign despite support from national and state Democratic leaders.
Under California's election system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. Villegas, a community college professor backed by progressive Democrats, will face Valadao in November in one of California's most closely watched House races.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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