California Republican Lawmaker Faces Heated Backlash Over Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ at Town Halls

California Republican Rep. David Valadao faced loud backlash during town halls over his support for Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” sparking heated debates on immigration policy.

California Republican Lawmaker Faces Heated Backlash Over Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ at Town Halls

Sacramento, California — A series of town hall meetings across California’s 22nd Congressional District turned into tense political battlegrounds this past week, as Republican lawmaker Rep. David Valadao encountered waves of criticism over his vocal support for former President Donald Trump’s recently proposed immigration package — dubbed by Trump as the “big, beautiful bill.”

Valadao, a key GOP figure in the Central Valley, has been a steadfast ally of Trump’s legislative priorities. However, the reception he faced from constituents during back-to-back town hall sessions on Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, 2025, highlighted the deep political divisions that still define California’s electorate.


The Bill at the Center of the Storm

Trump’s immigration proposal, introduced in late July 2025, seeks sweeping reforms to border enforcement, asylum processing, and legal immigration quotas. It includes increased funding for border wall expansions, tighter asylum eligibility standards, and accelerated deportation processes.

Supporters within the GOP frame the bill as a long-overdue move to “restore law and order” at the border. Opponents, however, view it as an aggressive rollback of immigrant rights, especially in states like California, where immigrant communities make up a significant portion of the population.

Valadao’s enthusiastic endorsement of the bill, coupled with his public appearances defending its provisions, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism during his recent town halls.


Scenes From the Town Halls

The most charged exchange occurred during Monday night’s Hanford town hall, held at the local civic auditorium. Within minutes of Valadao taking the stage, audience members began shouting questions about the humanitarian implications of Trump’s bill. Several constituents held signs reading “Families Belong Together” and “Stop the Hate Bill.”

When Valadao defended the bill by stating it would “protect American jobs and strengthen national security,” a section of the crowd responded with loud boos and chants of “Shame!”

On Tuesday in Visalia, the atmosphere was equally tense. At one point, a local teacher questioned how the legislation aligned with California’s sanctuary policies. Valadao maintained his stance, arguing that the bill “does not target law-abiding immigrants” but instead focuses on “closing dangerous loopholes.”


California’s Political Crosscurrents

California’s deep-blue leanings often put Republican lawmakers in the state in a politically precarious position. While Valadao represents an agricultural district that has historically leaned conservative, demographic shifts and growing political engagement among Latino and immigrant communities have reshaped the district’s voter base.

This political balancing act has made immigration a particularly volatile issue. Analysts note that while Valadao’s loyalty to Trump could solidify his standing among the GOP’s core voters, it may alienate moderates and independents ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.


The Road Ahead

With Trump’s bill expected to face significant resistance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, the political debate is likely to intensify in the coming months. Valadao’s embrace of the legislation places him firmly in the national spotlight — a position that could either boost his influence within the GOP or make him a prime target for Democrats seeking to flip his seat.

For now, Valadao appears undeterred by the backlash. In a brief interview after the Visalia event, he stated, “I was elected to represent the values and concerns of my district. Sometimes that means making tough decisions, but I believe this bill is in America’s best interest.”

Whether his constituents agree may ultimately be decided at the ballot box.