Assemblyman Rudy Salas jumps into race for 21st Congressional seat

If successful in the Democratic Primary, Salas will likely face incumbent David Valadao in next year’s November, General Election. Valadao lost his job three years ago to TJ Cox, who defeated the local congressman in 2018. Valadao won a razor-thin victory in 2020 to reclaim his office.

Salas may find himself in a competitive primary. He is the second Democrat to announce his intentions to run for California’s 21st District. Earlier this year, former assemblywoman, Nicole Parra, announced her intentions of running for the local congressional seat.

Salas, who on Monday, while standing with civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, California Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez, community supporters, union workers,  and local leaders and family, pledged to be a tireless champion for Central Valley families.

California’s 21st Congressional District, currently held by the Republican David Valadao, is one of the most disadvantaged districts across the entire country. Salas said he is committed to ensuring that Valley voices are heard and respected in Washington D.C.

“I am beyond humbled to have received so much support encouraging me to run for Congress,” said Salas. “As a kid from the Valley, I want to deliver for my community in the best way that I can. In the State Assembly, I’ve brought home hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to increase workforce development, build clean water infrastructure, improve public safety, expand educational opportunities, and fight Valley Fever.

“With the community’s support, I know that we can make sure that Washington once again delivers for the Central Valley on the issues that most affect us,” he said, thanking his supporters for the support.

Born and raised in the Central Valley, Salas is a lifelong Valley resident who worked his way to success.  Salas said he labored in the fields with his father and graduated from UCLA, becoming the first Latino Bakersfield City Councilmember in its 112-year history.

In his five terms in the California State Assembly, Salas says he has stood by his commitment to take a stand for Central Valley families and deliver for the region. He also said he had been a steadfast voice for the Valley in the state capital, fighting for more public safety funding, expanding workforce development programs, clean water infrastructure, and support for our small business community.

His campaign says that in the past year alone, Salas secured $50 million of dedicated investments for Central Valley projects that will expand local nursing programs and construct an emergency response center, a cooling center, clean water wells, a new building at Bakersfield College - Delano campus, and secured millions for local students and colleges.

Additionally, the local legislator helped save Kern Medical Hospital from closing its doors and was instrumental in ensuring small business assistance and protective equipment got to residents and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.