BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — 794 new California laws, 10 candidates for governor, 43 days without SNAP benefits, one special election and all of that in just a year.

To say it was a jam-packed year for the world of politics might be an understatement. But as we look forward to the 2026 midterms and a competitive campaign season, here’s a look at the most impactful political moments of 2025.

“Thank you of course Governor Newsom for championing responsible oil drilling here in Kern County. We are standing here together as one Kern County,” said Board of Supervisors chair woman, Leticia Perez.

After months of negotiations and planning, a landmark energy bill is set to expand the oil industry in Kern County. Senate Bill 237 was signed back in September after overwhelming bipartisan support in Sacramento.

The bill would allow Kern County to request up to 2,000 oil drilling permits each year for the next 10 years to expand oil production across the county and state.

“At CRC, 80 percent of our production comes from Kern County,” said Omar Hayat of the California Resource Commission back in September. “If we are going to consume oil, it should be done here in Kern County, in California and by California workers. And Senate Bill 237 is the right path and the right measure to get us there.”

But not every new government ordinance was met with open arms. The CoreCivic Immigration Customs Enforcement facility in the dusty desert town of California City is the largest in California and has sparked heated debate about President Trump’s approach to immigration policy.

“The people that are being detained in there need to know that the community is behind them, they are very becoming very hopeless, very depressed and not seeing their family, not seeing their loved ones. So, they need to know that people are fighting for them,” said Riya Khan, daughter of an ICE detainee.

As of November, 800 individuals are being held in the CoreCivic facility.

Kern, like many other counties across the nation, saw thousands suffer as they tried to find their next meal amid the longest government shutdown in American history.

With nearly a quarter of local residents relying on SNAP benefits, organizations like the Community Action Partnership of Kern with help from the California National Guard held a drive through food distribution in mid October. The community also helped to donate thousands of pounds of food to help those in need.

“At the end of the day, they’re here for us to be able to eat. So with that being said, I’m not ashamed,” said food distribution recipient, Tamara Davis. “So why not come and get the food that they’re going to provide for you so that you won’t be hungry, right?”

But what is politics without talking about local elected officials. 2025 may not have been an election year, but it did tee up some races to keep a close eye on in the new year.

California Congressional District 22 is represented by David Valadao, but a fierce primary battle to be the democrat to run against the congressmen, is underway. Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains joined the race for congress in July and will face democratic socialist and Visalia school board member Randy Villegas.

Not to mention, local leaders like Supervisor David Couch running for the state assembly, current state Senator Shannon Grove running for the tax focused board of equalization, and current Assemblymember Stan Ellis seeking retirement at the end of 2026.

The passing of Prop 50 also shook up the political playing field. While a majority of California voters approved of the re-districting measure, in Kern County, 55 percent voted against it.

While it won’t affect Representative Vince Fong’s 20th congressional seat, Representative Valadao may face a closer than normal race.

But the big race on the horizon is to fill California’s highest office. Three Governor hopefuls spoke to KGET about their bids in 2025 as the number of candidates reaches ten.

There is no clear frontrunner, but a focus on affordability, healthcare and the economy may be the ticket for any candidate to gain some ground, but be sure to stick with 17 News as we head into what is bound to be one of the most competitive election and midterm election seasons in modern history.

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