Former Asm. Rudy Salas (D–Bakersfield) appears poised to officially launch another campaign for Congress.
Salas filed an amended statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday.
The big picture: In the statement, Salas designated the committee Rudy Salas For Congress has his principal campaign committee for 2026.
- He also named the Rudy Salas Victory Fund committee to receive and spend funds on behalf of his candidacy.
Flashback: Salas challenged Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) in the last two elections, but he failed to come close despite Democrats holding a double-digit advantage in voter registration in the district.
- Valadao beat Salas by three points in 2022 and grew that lead to 6.8 points in 2024.
State of the race: With Salas nearing his public entrance into the race, the Democrat field to challenge Valadao is only getting more crowded.
- Democrats are already split between Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D–Delano) – who has the backing of the Democratic establishment – and Visalia Unified Trustee Randy Villegas, the favorite of progressives, such as Rep. Ro Khanna (D–Fremont) and former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg.
