BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — After weeks of speculation, Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur announced her candidacy for California State Senate District 16.

Stonecreek Park in south Bakersfield is usually filled with activity from pickup basketball games, to kids taking turns down the bright yellow slide. It’s also a familiar place for Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur, who grew up visiting the park and now uses it as the backdrop for a major announcement.

“I’m excited and honored to be here today on this historic occasion as my very good friend, Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur, announces her bid for California State Senate District 16,” said Raji Brar.

The Vice Mayor addressed a small coalition of family, community members and local leaders about the decision to run.

“I am a public servant. So, in being a public servant, my accountability is first and foremost to the people who have trusted me to be a leader for them and be their spokesperson,” said Kaur.

State Senate District 16 includes parts of Bakersfield and sections of Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties. Democrat Melissa Hurtado currently holds the seats and will now face a primary battle to hold it.

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Candidate for Congress Randy Villegas says that Hurtado has not done enough to represent the best interests of her district, namely voting against unmasking ICE agents and farm worker overtime legislations.

“I think when we look at people’s records and people’s actions, it speaks volumes. You know, there were several bills in which I was disappointed to see the senator actually vote against our communities,” said Villegas.

Kaur says her campaign will focus on community engagement, addressing ongoing immigrations raids in the state, improving infrastructure and addressing affordability.

Kaur and Hurtado will now have to face each other in the June Primary, where only one will make it the November election.

“Election should be competitive because that’s how we stay healthy in order for us to have a healthy democracy. People should have a plethora of choices and see what suits them best,” said Kaur. “A competitive race means that is something worth fighting for.”

We reached out to Senator Hurtado for her reaction to Kaur’s entrance into the race. The senator said in part, “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but, now more than ever we need leaders who can ensure our tax dollars are well spent and that Sacramento doesn’t make our lives even more expensive.”

Kaur said that regardless of where voters may have grown up, she will represent them all.

“They may be in Toledo, they may be in Porterville, they may be elsewhere. But, our stories are the same,” said Kaur. “And my name might sound different than yours, but our our dreams for our neighborhoods and our for our families are the same. And that’s what I’m committed to fighting for.”

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