Local congressman Republican David Valadao bucked his party’s leadership this week voting with 17 GOP House members to extend Obamacare subsidies.
On January 8, 2026, 17 Republican House members joined all 213 Democrats in a 230–196 vote to pass a three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA)premium subsidies. The vote followed a successful discharge petition that forced the legislation to the floor despite opposition from GOP leadership. The measure now goes to the Senate where its prospects are uncertain.
Even if it passes in the Senate it must be signed by President Trump who has been a major opponent of Obamacare.
The 17 Republicans who voted for the subsidy extension are:
Robert Bresnahan (PA)
Mike Carey (OH)
Monica De La Cruz (TX)
Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
Andrew Garbarino (NY)
Jeff Hurd (CO)
Dave Joyce (OH)
Tom Kean Jr. (NJ)
Nick LaLota (NY)
Mike Lawler (NY)
Ryan Mackenzie (PA)
Carol Miller (WV)
Max Miller (OH)
Zach Nunn (IA)
María Elvira Salazar (FL)
David Valadao (CA)
Covered California- the Obamacare agency in the state, estimates that as of July 2025, about 202,000 residents in the San Joaquin Valley, from San Joaquin County in the north to Kern County in the south, were enrolled in Covered California. More than 90% have at least part of their costs for premiums subsidized by tax credits,says report from nonprofit newsroom Stocktonia.
Earlier this year, Covered California projected that its subsidized enrollees in Valley counties would experience large increases to their monthly health insurance premiums if the enhanced tax credits expired:
Fresno County: Average increase of 160%.
Kern County: Average increase of 160%.
Kings County: Average increase of 147%.
Madera County: Average increase of 139%.
Merced County: Average increase of 388%.
San Joaquin County: Average increase of 129%.
Stanislaus County: Average increase of 112%.
Tulare County: Average increase of 140%.
Despite the expiration of the enhanced credits, lower-income Covered California members would continue to benefit from the standard level of Affordable Care Act credits.