Young Voters Bring Momentum to Valley Race
We see clear signs that the year‑round, community‑rooted organizing many of you support through Central Valley Matters is creating real power and momentum at the ballot box. The results of the June 2026 primary election show turnout is rising overall, including young Latinos — a core part of California’s Congressional District 22.
CD-22 is one of the tossup congressional districts nationwide that will determine whether Democrats or Republicans hold a majority in Congress in November. Central Valley Matters (CVM) fundraises for community grassroots groups in CD-22 to engage people in voting and democracy.
The primary election in CD-22 showed:
Among Latinos of all ages, Democratic turnout jumped 7.7 percentage points while Republican turnout rose about half as much, 3.9 points. Many Latinos who voted Republican in 2024 feel betrayed by broken promises of lower prices and pledges to limit immigrant deportations to only convicted criminals.
Youth turnout – long the key to unlocking this district – rose sharply. Among 18–34‑year‑olds, Democratic turnout jumped 7.7 percentage points while Republican turnout increased 1.7 points.
Given that CD-22 is almost 75 percent Latino, with a median age of just 30, this surge shows young and Latino voters across the Central Valley are stepping into their political power.
And the results are evident: your support is helping!
One of CVM’s six partners is Loud for Tomorrow, a youth‑led independent grassroots organization. In 2025, Loud for Tomorrow worked across the Central Valley cities of Delano, McFarland, and Wasco. They didn’t just canvass and phone bank. They stepped into leadership and devised new ways to build community engagement events that lead to action.
Loud’s Executive Director Jose Orellana says that residents are struggling with rising costs and deep distrust of politics. At first, many hesitate to open their doors. But Loud keeps showing up – with calls, texts, community events and resources like cultural celebrations, harm reduction kits, and food. Over time, people open up.
In a year when the living reality in the Central Valley and the country felt heavier than ever, our young people did something extraordinary. They organized. They healed. They led. They…reminded all of us, again and again, that the future we are building is not waiting on the horizon. It is being built right now…door by door, conversation by conversation.
--Jose Orellana, Executive Director, LOUD For Tomorrow
We must keep the momentum going.
This is the multiplying power of grassroots work: CVM donors help turn non‑political residents into organizers who activate their families and friends. Your support is making a measurable difference. Thank you for helping make it happen.
But we can’t rest yet. Now is the moment to deepen that impact for November elections.
Donations aren’t the only way to help. Here’s what else you can do:
— Invite friends to sign up for CVM’s email list. Return to the Home Page and scroll down to the bottom to sign up.
— Mark your calendar for Sept. 8, 2026 when CVM will hold its next online fundraiser, with guest speaker Dolores Huerta and more. Invite your friends and family to save the date.
— Please renew or increase your contribution today. If you haven’t given before, now is the time to start!