Rudy Salas

Rudy Salas was a member of the California State Assembly, representing District 32 for 10 years. Now he’s running to represent the state’s 22nd congressional district. The son of farmworkers, Salas was born and raised in the Central Valley town of Bakersfield, where he still resides today.

Salas earned a B.A. in history and political science from UCLA. He worked in the private sector, founding a small trucking company before entering public service. Salas was first elected to the Bakersfield City Council in 2004, serving two terms before being elected to the California State Assembly in 2012.

In the state legislature, Salas established himself as a pragmatic, solution-oriented Democrat. He chaired the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions, championing issues like workforce development, small business support, and occupational licensing reform. Salas also played a key role in brokering bipartisan compromises on matters ranging from water infrastructure to public safety.

While generally aligning with the Democratic Party, Salas has shown independence at times, breaking with his caucus on certain votes that he felt did not align with the needs of his constituents.

Salas outlines his priorities in Congress: defending the Affordable Care Act, lowering drug prices, fighting inflation, and protecting reproductive rights. In November. Salas faces a rematch against the district’s Republican incumbent, who beat Salas in a tight race in 2022.