In his pursuit to replicate former Rep. TJ Cox’s (D-Fresno) razor-thin feat of ousting Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford), Asm. Rudy Salas (D–Bakersfield) is quickly distancing himself from the fallen ex-lawmaker amid a 28-count Federal indictment.
A Federal grand jury indicted Cox earlier in August alleging a bevy of financial crimes ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and included a straw donor scheme to fund his successful 2018 Congressional campaign.
Cox, who was arrested by Federal agents on Tuesday morning after the indictment was unsealed by a Fresno-based Federal magistrate, remains in-custody at Fresno County Jail awaiting an initial court appearance.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Salas sought to put increased distance with Cox’s endorsement of his campaign.
Amid announcing that he wouldn’t seek a third match-up with Valadao in 2022, Cox praised Salas on Bakersfield TV.
Salas initially accepted Cox’s backing with warmth.
“It’s an honor to call TJ a friend and supporter,” Salas said. “I know how our communities are better-off as a result of his service.”
Tuesday, Salas issued a terse statement regarding his endorser.
“TJ Cox has disgraced himself.”
