California Democrats have picked their side in the Congressional District 22 race, opting to support former Bakersfield Asm. Rudy Salas.
While Salas failed in his previous attempt at Congress, he picks up his party’s support over another Democratic challenger.
The big picture: At the California Democratic Party Convention over the weekend, delegates endorsed Salas for the 22nd District.
- Salas received the endorsement over State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D – Bakersfield).
- The two Democrats, along with conservative former Fresno City Councilman Chris Mathys, are trying to oust Rep. David Valadao (R – Hanford) from office.
- Valadao defeated Salas by three points last year despite Democrats holding a 17-point voter registration edge in the district.
- The party’s endorsement is the latest for Salas, who already received the support of Senator Alex Padila and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
What they’re saying: “With the holidays around the corner, I’m thankful and blessed to have the endorsement and support of the Democratic Party and our local party faithful who put in the hard work to make a difference in our community,” Salas said in a statement. “I’m honored to have the support of California Democrats. Central Valley Democrats have seen the work we’ve done, from lowering costs for working families to helping deliver funding to improve access to clean and safe drinking water. We’re united and working together to defeat David Valadao who has failed to deliver for Valley families.”
