Rubio put himself through Bakersfield College and subsequently studied Justice Administration at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, graduating with honors in Criminology.

He worked for the United States Department of Justice,[3] then returned to Kern County with a job as an advocate for youth and led an agency that provided health insurance to underprivileged children.

In Florez's Sacramento office, Rubio worked on issues such as the quality of air in the San Joaquin Valley, opposing sludge coming into Kern County from Los Angeles and other surrounding areas, as well as initiatives in education.

[3] Rubio was elected to the 16th State Senate District in November 2010, representing all or portions of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties.

[5] In June 2010, Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett revealed that Rubio was living in the 18th Senate District, calling into question his eligibility to run for office in the 16th.

Acting in good faith to further address the situation, Rubio and his family immediately moved to a house inside the district in East Bakersfield.