Valadao, Salas leading CD22 primary

Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) and former Asm. Rudy Salas (D–Bakersfield) appear to be headed to a rematch in November for Congressional District 22.  

While both candidates faced other contenders in their respective parties, the vote has not split enough to keep either Valadao or Salas from moving onto the general election. 

The big picture: Valadao leads the primary election with 33.9 percent of the vote, per the latest county early Wednesday morning. 

• Salas, who lost to Valadao by three percent in 2022, looks to have secured his spot in the general election with 28.9 percent of the vote. 
• Former Fresno City Councilman Chris Mathys, who is challenging Valadao from the right, is at 21.6 percent, while State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D–Bakersfield) is at 15.6 percent. 
• The California Secretary of State’s Office has 82.9 percent of precincts partially reporting in.