Rodolfo "Rudy" Salas[1] (born March 12, 1977) is an American politician who served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2022.

Salas left his seat in the Assembly to run as the Democratic nominee for California's 22nd congressional district in 2022, losing to incumbent Republican David Valadao.

[9] Two years later, he was elected to represent Bakersfield in the California State Assembly, leaving the City Council to serve in Sacramento.

[7] When incumbent Assemblyman David Valadao announced that he would not run for reelection for California's 32nd State Assembly district, instead seeking a congressional bid, the seat was left vacant.

He was challenged by Republican Hanford City Councilman Justin Mendes, a staffer for Congressman David Valadao (whom Salas succeeded in the Assembly in 2012).

[14] Salas ran for reelection and faced Republican Todd Cotta, a Hanford gun store owner in the general election.