TJ Cox endorses one of Valadao’s Democratic challengers in high-profile congressional race
Former Democratic Rep. TJ Cox has endorsed Democratic challenger Rudy Salas for the 21st Congressional District Cox previously represented.
The seat has flip-flopped in the last two elections. In 2018, Cox beat longtime Republican incumbent David Valadao. But in 2020, Valadao reclaimed the seat.
Now, Valadao faces a long list of challengers: Democrats Salas, a California assemblyman representing Bakersfield; Nicole Parra, a former California assemblywoman; Delano Mayor Bryan Osorio; and Angel Lara, a former staffer for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. Republicans Adam Medeiros, a businessman; Martha Flores-Gibson, a consultant; and Chris Mathys, a pro-Trump businessman, are also vying for Valadao’s spot.
“There’s no question that Rudy gives us our best shot of flipping a seat from red to blue here in the Valley,” Cox said in the endorsement announcement on Wednesday. “No one knows their district better than Rudy. No one has delivered more for their district than Rudy. This year alone he has delivered over $50 million for public safety, water and education. He’s raised wages for farmworkers and lowered healthcare costs for families. His track record as a fearless and independent representative for the Valley will serve him well in Congress.”
Salas said he’s honored to call Cox a friend and supporter.
Cox joins a long list of other high-profile endorsements Salas, including both United Farm Workers and Dolores Huerta, California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, and Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez.
Shortly after Salas launched his campaign, a right-leaning federal watchdog filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission over whether his campaign misappropriated funds from his state Assembly run for his national one based on taped-up signs used at his launch event.
California’s 21st district is home to one of the most competitive races in the 2022 election cycle that will determine whether Democrats or Republicans hold a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. If Democrats have the majority, President Joe Biden’s administration could have an easier time passing legislation in line with its agenda on climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and social infrastructure.
McClatchy D.C. Bureau reporter Gillian Brassil contributed to this story.
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 11:30 AM.