Former Asm. Rudy Salas (D–Bakersfield) is continuing to pick up support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in his campaign for Congressional District 22.
The DCCC announced Monday that Salas has been added to its first round of the Red to Blue program, which marks the most targeted Democratic pick-up opportunities in the nation.
The big picture: The announcement comes one week after the DCCC put its financial backing in advertisement buys behind Salas, choosing the former legislator over Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D–Bakersfield) in the fight to oust Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford).
- Salas is one of 17 candidates the DCCC considers to be “top-tier” who will receive strategic guidance, staff resources, training and fundraising support.
- Salas lost to Valadao in 2022 by three percent – just over three thousand votes – despite Democrats holding a large advantage over Republicans in voter registration in the 22nd district.
What they’re saying: “Voters in CA-22 are ready for a change,” Salas said. “I’m thankful to be included in the Red to Blue program as it will help us continue to spread our message of standing up for basic freedoms and helping working families keep more money from each paycheck.”
- DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene added, “Long before he was advocating for his community as a Bakersfield City Council Member or delivering results as a California Assemblyman, Rudy Salas grew up working the fields of the Central Valley with his dad. He’s the type of champion that hardworking California families deserve in Congress, and he’s the right person to oust MAGA enabler David Valadao – who has repeatedly sided with his party over the needs of his constituents.”
