Candidate for
State Senator; District 12

A native of Los Banos, Rusty Areias, the Democratic candidate for the 12th District seat in the state Senate has a long and successful record of public service.

Areias served twelve years in the state Assembly, representing many of the communities that make up of the 12th Senate District. He also was chairman of the State Coastal Commission where he protected California's coastline from overdevelopment and ensured public access to the shoreline. During his three years as Director of the State Department of Parks & Recreation he cut park fees in half, a move that boosted attendance at state parks by 23 million visitors.

While in the Assembly, Areias had over 100 bills signed into law by two different Republican governors, demonstrating his ability to bring people together and solve problems. He also served as chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and worked to strengthen the agricultural economy and preserve farmland. On the Assembly Transportation Committee he led the successful effort for funds to improve Highway 152 over the Pacheco Pass.

In addition, as chair of the Assembly Consumer Protection Committee Rusty battled to lower credit card interest rates and stood up for consumer rights. He also played a key role in the successful effort to bring the newest University of California campus to Merced. Before his election to the Assembly, Rusty managed the day-to-day operations of his father's dairy farm in Los Banos.

Areias and his wife Julie have one daughter, Alexis.