Mike Karbassi stepping down as Fresno council president

Fresno City Councilperson Mike Karbassi representing District 2 speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Veterans Boulevard Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 in Fresno.

ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

ezamora@fresnobee.com

Mike Karbassi is stepping down as Fresno City Council president in order to devote more attention to his campaign for county supervisor, he announced Friday.

Karbassi will remain District 2 council member. The change will become effective on Monday at noon.

“I’m excited to devote my full attention to campaigning for a better Fresno County and continue fighting for Fresno residents while representing District 2,” Karbassi told The Bee.

The City Council unanimously reelected Karbassi for a second term as president in January after a 2024 ordinance updating the city code to allow council members to serve consecutive terms as the body’s president. The position had historically rotated among council members each year prior to the rule change.

He became the first councilmember in over 20 years to serve consecutive terms under the new rules. His term is up on the council in January 2029.

District 7 Councilmember Nelson Esparza was also elected as vice president at that time, whom Karbassi endorsed as council president. Miguel Arias would have been next in line to be president under the former rules.

The city council president is responsible for leading meetings and setting agendas, while the vice president covers for the president when absent.

Karbassi is running in the crowded race for Fresno County supervisor District 1 in the June primary election.

The seat is currently held by Brian Pacheco, who is not seeking re-election. His opponents include Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, nonprofit executive Eric Payne, West Hills Community College District Trustee Omar Hernandez, Mendota Unified Trustee Lupe Flores and Firebaugh City Councilmember Felipe Perez.

Karbassi announced his bid for supervisor in December.

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