Mary Salas

Salas served as a member of Chula Vista's Civil Service Commission and Planning Commission.

In 1996, Salas was elected as a member of city council in Chula Vista. Salas became the first Latina elected to the Chula Vista City Council. In 2000, as an incumbent, Salas was re-elected as a member of Chula Vista City Council. As a councilwoman, she chaired the University Working Group to establish a higher education center in the region and co-chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee for the "San Diego County Preschool for All." She gained a reputation as a member who was willing to speak her mind.[3][2]

Salas ran for mayor against fellow city councilmember and political ally Steve Padilla in 2002, but lost. She was termed out of the city council in 2004.[3]

She served as a member of the Sweetwater Authority Board of Directors in 2006.[4]

In 2012 she ran for re-election to the Chula Vista City Council, representing District 4. In the November runoff election she defeated Linda Wagner, 57.6% to 42.3%.[5]

Mary Salas became the first Latina Mayor of Chula Vista, California in December 9, 2014.[6] She was reelected in 2018.

Mary Salas and National City Mayor Ron Morrison celebrating the United States Navy's 234th birthday in 2009

Salas was elected to the California State Assembly in 2006, defeating Jean Roesch. She represented the 79th district which includes the communities of National City, Coronado, Imperial Beach and parts of Chula Vista and San Diego. Salas was appointed Chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2007. She also served on the following standing committees: Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy; Water, Parks and Wildlife; and the Committee on Health. She was re-elected in 2008. In 2010 she campaigned for California State Senate but lost narrowly to Juan Vargas.