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Senior Fresno democrat Henry Perea backs Bains for Congress
The Delano physician has built her campaign around healthcare access, public safety and economic opportunity.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 02, Jun 2026
- 15:57 EDT
- 39
Jasmeet Bains / File Photo
Longtime Central Valley leader Henry Perea Sr. endorsed California State Assemblymember and physician Dr. Jasmeet Bains in her campaign for Congress in California’s 22nd Congressional District.
Perea, a Fresno native who has spent decades in public service and community leadership in California's Central Valley, announced his endorsement June 1, praising Bains' record of service as both a physician and lawmaker.
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“As someone who has spent my life serving the Central Valley, I know what committed leadership looks like – and that’s Dr. Jasmeet Bains,” Perea said.
I am deeply honored to have Supervisor Perea’s support. For decades, he has served the Central Valley as a respected voice for working families. His endorsement reflects the strength of the coalition we’re building to bring results-driven leadership to Washington pic.twitter.com/YisEGCVN6h
— Jasmeet Bains, M.D. (@DrJasmeetBains) June 1, 2026
“Whether in her clinic or in the Assembly, Dr. Bains has consistently stepped up when our communities needed her most. We deserve a representative who understands our challenges, shares our values, and will fight every day for our future. Dr. Bains has the experience and the track record of results to get it done in Congress. I’m proud to endorse her,” he added.
Bains said she was honored to receive the support of a leader she described as a longtime advocate for working families across the region.
“I am deeply honored to have Supervisor Perea’s support. For decades, he has served as a respected voice for working families and communities across the Central Valley,” Bains said.
“His endorsement reflects the strength of the coalition we’re building to bring results-driven leadership to Washington and ensure Valley families have a strong advocate fighting for them in Congress,” she added.
Bains, a family physician from Delano and the daughter of Indian immigrants, was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022.
The endorsement adds to a growing list of support for Bains from labor unions and Democratic organizations as she seeks to unseat Republican Rep. David Valadao. Recent backers include the California State Council of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU California), EMILY’s List, Equality California, the Amalgamated Transit Union and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
National Democrats have also identified the race as a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this year, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Bains to its “Red to Blue” program, which provides strategic and fundraising support to candidates considered among the party’s strongest challengers in competitive districts.
Campaign finance reports have shown Bains emerging as one of the leading fundraisers in the race, helping her build a significant campaign operation ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
California’s 22nd Congressional District spans parts of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties in the Central Valley, one of the United States’ most productive agricultural regions. The district includes many communities Bains already represents in the State Assembly.
California uses a top-two primary system in congressional races, with all candidates appearing on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation and the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election.
The district's primary election was held on June 2, while the general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched House contests in the country.
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