State Assemblyman Rudy Salas is joining the congressional race to unseat Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford.

Salas, D-Bakersfield, confirmed Monday his long-rumored candidacy. He is the eighth candidate in the race, but perhaps has the most name recognition of the challengers.

“I’ve brought home hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to increase workforce development, build clean water infrastructure, improve public safety, expand educational opportunities and fight Valley Fever. With the community’s support, I know that we can make sure that Washington once again delivers for the Central Valley on the issues that most affect us,” Salas said, as transcribed in a news release.

Political watchers have called Valadao’s 21st district seat one of the most vulnerable in the nation. The district, which covers all of Kings County and parts of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties, supports a Democratic president, but a (moderately) Republican congressman.

Also in Politics 101: 

• Valadao faces challenge from the right
• A look at the fundraising in the race.
• More fundraising totals for Valley congressional seats.
• Fresno airport director retiring.
• Proposed project requires parking lot buyback.

Valadao Faces Challengers from Right, Too

In recently released fundraising figures, Republican challengers have outraised Democratic hopefuls, although that could change with Salas’ entry.

Chris Mathys, the former Fresno councilman, is challenging Valadao from the right. Many Republican groups are upset over Valadao voting to impeach former President Donald Trump.

Mathys reported $323,509 raised thus far. Most of it, $300,000, is in the form of a self-loan.

Salas’ announcement comes after the most recent congressional fundraising reporting deadline. But, he does have $906,762 cash on hand in his Assembly account.

What About the Other Dems?

What will Salas’ entry mean for the other mainline Democratic candidates? Brian Osorio, the young mayor of Delano, continues to outraise former Assemblywoman-turned-lobbyist Nicole Parra.

Parra seems unnerved by Salas’ entry. Last week, she tweeted “Rudy, welcome to the race! Angel, Bryan, Rudy, David, Chris, Adam … a crowded field of men once again running for Congress. I was the first person to step up to challenge David and I will be the first woman elected to Congress ever from the So. San Joaquin Valley!”

Rudy, welcome to the race! Angel, Bryan, Rudy, David, Chris, Adam…a crowded field of men once again running for Congress. I was the first person to step up to challenge David and I will be the first woman elected to Congress ever from the So. San Joaquin Valley! #grit #love https://t.co/19RWyN6eLe

— Nicole Parra for Congress (@Parra4Congress) October 7, 2021

Hours ahead of Salas’ formal announcement, Parra issued a tweet storm of her supporters, including state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, and Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias.

But, will that help her fundraising? She is in fourth-place, lagging behind Valadao, Mathys, and fellow Democrat Osorio. She picked up $37,784 for the third quarter, $23,000 behind Osorio.

Totals through Sept. 30; * incumbent

Congressional Fundraising Totals

Third-quarter fundraising totals are in for congressional candidates.

In the other two Fresno-area congressional races, it is no surprise that the incumbents — Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Devin Nunes, R-Tulare — have strong leads.

Costa, a notoriously slow starter when it comes to fundraising, outraised Madera businessman David Giglio. Nearly half of Giglio’s $545,519 haul is in the form of contributions or loans from himself.

Nunes continues to lap the field in 22nd District race fundraising.

Totals through Sept. 30; * incumbent

Fresno Airport Director Retiring

After nearly three decades of service, Kevin Meikle is retiring as Fresno’s airports director. He has served 32 years with the city, 19 in the airport department, and the last eight as director.

“An architect and instrument-rated pilot, Meikle’s development and aviation background complemented numerous strategic initiatives and programs that have strategically positioned the airport for future growth,” airport spokeswoman Vikkie Calderon said.

His last project is probably his biggest — a $115 million terminal and parking lot expansion.

Calderon says the city will conduct a national search to find Meikle’s replacement.

Will City Buy Back Parking Lot for New Project?

It is still in the early stages, but the city is thinking of turning a vacant warehouse it owns on H Street between Mono and Inyo streets into a farmer’s market/restaurant/retail project.

The Fresno City Council voted last week to hire TAM+CZ Architects of Fresno to evaluate its potential. The contract costs $80,000.

While the city owns the warehouse — it has seen more action from the homeless in recent years than any economic activity — preliminary drawings show the project using space in the adjacent parking lot.

The city sold that parking lot to the Fresno Grizzlies years ago. Councilman Miguel Arias says the city is negotiating with the team to buy it back.