OverviewVillapudua defends assembly seat against fellow Democrats
The one certainty in the race for the California Assembly’s 13th District seat is that voters will elect a Democrat.
The one certainty in the race for the California Assembly’s 13th District seat is that voters will elect a Democrat.
A member of the Republican Party did not step up to challenge incumbent Carlos Villapudua. He will be opposed by two registered Democrats who are members of the Tracy City Council – Mateo Bedolla and Veronica Vargas in Tuesday’s primary.
The 13th District encompasses Stockton, Tracy, Mountain House and Thornton.
Villapudua first won the primary in 2020, this is his third time running for this seat. He was defeated in the primary in 2018, and won the seat in 2020 when he defeated San Joaquin County Supervisor Kathy Miller.
Homelessness, the ability to create and retain good-paying, middle-class jobs, housing supply and affordability are some of the issues Villapudua said he would address in the next four years.
“My proven record of results in the State Assembly, passing legislation to help our district along with securing resources for our district, including five million to address food insecurity, two million for law enforcement and helping obtain 55 million for our CSU Stanislaus Stockton to expand higher educational opportunities for our local high school graduates,” Villapudua said via email.
Bedolla: Not a “typical politician”
Bedolla describes himself as ‘not your typical politician’.
“I had a humble upbringing from working-class, immigrant parents. I sought an education that along with my profession have given me the foundation for quality policy-making,” Bedolla said via email. “The fact is that I am the only working-class candidate. Though the current Assemblyman wants the public to believe (he is) ‘blue-collar,’ their political dynasty’s grasp on the Valley and big-money contributions proves that is far from the truth.” Bedolla’s priorities in the next four years if elected would include “common sense” solutions to homelessness, affordable housing for San Joaquin county families and diversifying our local economy.
“My top priority will ultimately be to balance short and long-term solutions in order to greatly improve the quality of life for all residents in the Valley, especially the underrepresented,” Bedolla said. “The district faces several challenges that can be addressed by improving the overall socioeconomic standing of our residents. This means providing quality jobs that will allow anyone to have a living wage, to find an affordable home, to start a family, to educate that family, and ensure opportunity for future generations.”
Vargas: Stop political squabbles
Veronica Vargas is the vice mayor of Tracy and the only woman running in this race.
“What motivates me is two-fold. One, I am passionate about Public Policy and I enjoy solving difficult issues and right now that state is facing many difficult issues that need to be addressed and cannot be ignored. The increase in gas prices, homelessness, affordability of housing, water infrastructure and mental illness, just to name a few.” Vargas in a response by email.
Vargas describes ‘collaboration’ as part of how she will get things done in office.
“It is time to stop squabbling over partisan politics, instead of focusing on our differences, we must focus on our similarities. If we do that, we will find that no matter what Party you belong to, we are elected to improve the quality of life for our constituents. I vow to work and have demonstrated the ability to work with all parities for the betterment of the state,” Vargas stated.
Vargas and Bedolla unsuccessfully ran for the board of supervisors in 2020.
