Election notebook: California governor endorses Rudy Salas for 22nd Congressional District

Nov. 27—Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his pick for California's 22nd Congressional District on Monday, with his endorsement of Democratic candidate Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield.

In a news release Monday, Newsom called Salas a "champion for the Valley" who "delivers for working families." He cited past Democratic efforts to expand health care and provide clean drinking water wells as issues he looks to revisit should Salas take the seat.

"Together, we have reduced the cost of life-saving medicines for seniors, expanded health care for all Californians and delivered infrastructure projects like clean drinking water wells," Newsom wrote. "I'm proud to endorse Rudy because I know he will continue to be a champion for us in Congress."

Salas, a former state assemblyman, has garnered a wide net of support in the months leading up to the March 2024 primary election, including Congressional Hispanic Caucus, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, chair of the California Congressional Delegation Zoe Lofgren, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, and civil rights champion Dolores Huerta, along with labor unions and councils.

In response to Newsom's remarks, Salas wrote his thanks.

"I'm thankful to add the governor to our large coalition of supporters," Salas wrote. "I'm proud of the work we do to deliver real tangible projects for Valley families. In Congress I'll continue to stand up and deliver for the Valley."

This announcement comes more than a week after the state's Democratic Party made its decision to endorse Salas, and mirrors a similar statement made by the U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla a month ago, in which he called Salas "a true champion for Valley families."

"In Congress, Rudy will be a strong partner in delivering for Valley schools, seniors and veterans while helping ensure that working families have access to safe drinking water and affordable life-saving medicines," Padilla wrote in an October statement.

----California Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, is officially changing offices. The state senator will celebrate the grand opening of three new offices this week across the 16th district: in Lemoore, Tulare and Bakersfield.

The grand opening and open house events will occur from 3 to 5 p.m. on the following days:

—Wednesday, Lemoore Office Grand Opening & Open House: 339 W. D St., Suite E

—Thursday, Tulare Office Grand Opening & Open House: 411 Kern St.

—Friday, Bakersfield Office Grand Opening & Open House: 5201 California Ave., Suite 220

----At its monthly meeting on Dec. 14, the Greater Bakersfield Republican Assembly will feature 20th Congressional District Republican candidate David Giglio as its speaker.

This comes about one month after Giglio announced his decision to run for the seat, currently held by Republican Congressman and former speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.