Wasco mayor latest to back Hurtado in 22nd Congressional race

Nov. 20—As the March primary inches closer, state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, has secured another endorsement in her campaign for California's 22nd Congressional District.

Vincent Martinez, the mayor of Wasco, announced his support for the two-time state senator, saying Hurtado is "the kind of leader we need standing up for the Valley in Congress."

Martinez, who previously served on the Wasco City Council and its Recreation and Parks District Board, cited Hurtado's success in securing $5 million in the state's 2023-24 budget for a new Wasco Police Station.

"Melissa's courage and unyielding commitment to keeping the Valley safe make her the clear choice for Congress," Martinez wrote.

This comes three months after Hurtado announced her intention to run in a race that includes three other candidates, including fellow Democrat and former Assemblyman Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, Republican Chris Mathys, R-Fresno, and incumbent David Valadao, R-Hanford.

In that time, Hurtado has garnered several high-profile backings, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains and Lindsay Mayor Hipolito Angel Cerros.

With this latest endorsement, Hurtado said she was "incredibly honored."

"What makes our Valley great are the communities and people that form its foundation — people like Mayor Martinez who share my commitment to putting the Valley's needs first," Hurtado wrote.