HANFORD, Calif. (KERO) — Congressman-elect David Valadao announced on Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Yesterday afternoon, I received a rapid antigen COVID-19 test that showed a positive read. I am now waiting for the results from my PCR test, which takes longer and is more accurate. I will stay home in the meantime.
— David G. Valadao (@dgvaladao) January 1, 2021
In November, Valdao defeated T.J. Cox for his seat in California's 21st District.
"Obviously going against an incumbent is always difficult. And we knew it was going to be close. Getting closer to election day we were preparing for a much longer count. And it ended up being a long count and we ended up successful at the end," said Valdao earlier this month.
To protect his staff and other members of Congress, Valadao said he would be working from home.
The safety of my staff and fellow members of Congress is extremely important to me, so I’ll be hard at work for California’s 21st Congressional District here at home in Hanford.
— David G. Valadao (@dgvaladao) January 1, 2021