CA-21: What makes Valadao so strong?

[Kamala]

David Valadao (R-CA-21) is currently on his third term as representative and represents the second-most Democratic-leaning district in the country (after Carlos Curbelo). He won by a 13-point margin in 2016 despite Clinton winning the district by more than 15 points, and had similar margins in 2014 and 2012.

His 2016 opponent, Emilio Huerta, has announced his candidacy for a rematch.

What is the secret to his strength in the district? Can Democrats unseat him in 2018, and who should they try to get to run?

Or is Valadao a republican Colin Peterson, and this seat is likely his for as long as he wants?

[Hindsight was 2020]

From what I've heard he's a moderate and well liked but I think Trump and the AHCA yes vote will likely sink him

[Sbane]

He was able to create a niche for himself separate from the national party. There are certain issues, especially regarding the environment, where Democrats in that area have a disagreement with the state and national party. As stated above, I think the AHCA vote will take him down. Same with Denham, who was already walking on thin ice.

[Hindsight was 2020]

But the problem is the dems don't have a bench in this district from what I tell to get a good recruit to run. (Which is the same problem they seem to have with Curbelo)

[DrScholl]

Apparently, people in the district believe he is Hispanic even though he is Portuguese. The drought and water is also an issue.

[Nyvin]

I think there is a big disconnect between the Central Valley population and the state CA government, which is heavily associated with the Democrats.   The dislike for the environmental regulations there causes Valadao to do better than expected, but it doesn't translate to success at the presidential level, or even statewide races.

[PAK Man]

I don't know it's that he's strong or if every Democrat he's faced has been weak. Amanda Renteria is really the only Democrat the national party seemed interested in, and she came up quite short. John Hernandez in 2012 and Emilio Huerta in 2016 national Dems showed next to no interest in.