Rep. David Valadao, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing California’s 22nd district, shared a series of tweets on June 6, 2025, highlighting issues surrounding religious freedom and the challenges faced by Sikh-Americans. His statements emphasize his ongoing commitment to fostering religious tolerance and addressing discrimination.
In his first tweet, Valadao stressed the importance of religious freedom as one of America’s founding principles. He stated that he initiated the American Sikh Congressional Caucus to focus on this matter: “Religious freedom is one of our nation’s founding principles, and I started the American Sikh Congressional Caucus to draw attention to this very issue and work toward religious tolerance for all.”
Valadao expressed concern over remarks made by a colleague regarding a Sikh prayer held earlier that day. These remarks were subsequently deleted. In his tweet, he underscored the respect and value Sikh-Americans hold within communities across the country: “I’m troubled by my colleague’s remarks about this morning’s Sikh prayer, which have since been deleted. Throughout the country—and in the Central Valley—Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination.”
In another statement on social media, Valadao reaffirmed his dedication to advocating for the rights of Sikh-Americans: “Sikh-Americans deserve the right to live and work peacefully in our communities, and I remain committed to continuing to bring awareness to anti-Sikh hate crimes and transnational repression—which still persist today.”
David Valadao has represented California’s 22nd District since 2021 after replacing TJ Cox. He was born in Hanford, California in 1977 where he currently resides.
