BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — With the start of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump picking Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate and, top of mind, the weekend assassination attempt of Trump, lawmakers are weighing in on the state of politics.

Congressman David Valadao of the 22nd Congressional District joined 17 News in studio Monday to discuss his reaction to the shooting, as well as his hopes for the convention.

Valadao emphasized what unfolded was horrible.

“I was disgusted by it,” the congressman said of the attempted assassination. “And obviously there was a very sick and twisted individual that made a decision that I think the whole world has to condemn.”

The representative also raised concerns about the security of it all, saying he is all for a thorough investigation.

“There also has to be a lot of questions asked to the Secret Service, the local police, all the people in charge of the venue itself. The idea that someone like that had the ability to get that close and have that close of a shot is a very, very bad situation.”

The congressman pointing out that political violence, however, is nothing new, in fact having impacted his own colleagues.

“President Regan in my lifetime was shot,” he said. “This isn’t new. Steve Scalise, I was a member Congress when he was shot. Obviously, Gabrielle Giffords, before I was in Congress in 2012, was shot.”

But Valadao said amid all of it, he’s forward looking, through the convention and into November, especially as he feels voter frustration over the incident will likely boost turnout come Election Day.

“I hope it also has an impact on people cooling their rhetoric a little bit,” Valadao added. “Protecting each other’s rights to have their opinions, have their voices and both their conscience show up at political rallies is something we should all be strongly supportive of.”

When asked what role Trump plays in cooling the temperature down, Valadao responded,
“I think he’s going to have to do a good job. And he’s already said he’s going to publicly talk about his speech in unifying the country, and we’ll see how that plays out obviously.”

And as the Republican National Convention continues throughout the week, Valadao said his constituents should look out for the visions and messages laid out by the party and various speakers.

He said he hopes local issues like the cost of living, high fuel prices, high food prices and high electricity costs will be addressed.

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“This isn’t a time to be pointing fingers,” Valadao said. “Our time now is for each one of us to take responsibility for our own words, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, and try to cool down the rhetoric and look forward instead of pointing back and trying to figure out who to blame for this.”

Following Trump’s vice-presidential pick announcement Monday afternoon, Valadao had no additional comments. But during the interview, Valadao explained he hasn’t been involved much in presidential politics.

Fellow Kern County Congressman Vince Fong of the 20th district, however, posted on social media:

“Excited by the VP pick by President Trump! Senator Vance is a young dynamic leader that will bring even more energy and excitement to the ticket. I look forward to working with the Trump-Vance Administration to address the needs of hardworking communities like the Central Valley, end the border crisis, grow our economy, defend our water and energy resources, and make America Great Once Again.”

Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield)

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