Candidate for
State Senator; District 40; Democratic Party

Mary Salas, a lifelong resident of the 40th Senate District, has dedicated herself to helping others. Her family has lived in Chula Vista for five generations, and everything Mary does + from helping create jobs to looking out for our veterans + shows her ongoing commitment to our community.

First, a little history. Mary decided to go to college after raising a family, and entered Southwestern College at age 37, taking the first step toward improving her education and changing her life. She transferred to San Diego State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Social Work. During college, she became involved with MANA, a national organization that empowers Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy. Mary soon became president of the San Diego chapter, and created a program to mentor young women.

Mary went on to serve on the Chula Vista Planning Commission and the city's Civil Service Commission, then ran for the Chula Vista City Council. In 1996 she became the first Latina ever elected to the City Council. As a councilmember, Mary was a leader on public safety issues, working to hire new police officers and fighting for more school resource officers. She also championed a tough graffiti abatement program, and voted to expand after-school programs to protect our youth and provide them with positive activities. During her two terms, the city's crime rate declined each year.

In 2006 Mary was elected to represent the 79th State Assembly District, and was promptly named Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee. As the committee's leader Mary + whose father and six uncles all served during World War II and Korea -- has worked aggressively to address the many challenges facing our veterans, especially those returning from overseas.

Mary has also worked tirelessly to create new jobs in our community. She worked for the California Trade and Commerce Agency, was Vice President of the South County Economic Development Council, and Chairwoman of the Trans-border Business Development Committee. She has helped bring a number of business projects to South San Diego and the Imperial Valley, and expanded existing projects. She now uses that experience serving on the Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee, where she is committed to putting Californians back to work and improving California's economy.

A former Director of the South Bay Irrigation District, Mary has also been a leading advocate for a reliable source of water for the Southern California region, and a key player in the water talks in Sacramento. This will continue to be a priority for Mary in the Senate.

Mary and her husband Sal live in Chula Vista and enjoy spending their free time with daughters Michele and Sara, and grandchildren Michael, Adriana and Marissa.

As State Senator, Mary will continue the important work she has begun to help create good jobs, improve California schools, and work for lower health care costs. Electing Mary Salas to the 40th District Senate seat will ensure that our community will continue to have the best representation in Sacramento from an elected official who truly cares about our community and will continue to work hard for us.