FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula has served Fresno County since 2016, when he became the first Latino physician elected to the Assembly.
Ten years later, he’s now running for the Fresno City Council District 3 seat but is facing new scrutiny because of allegations made in public divorce court documents.
His wife, Elizabeth Arambula, filed for divorce in January, then filed a lengthy petition for child custody and spousal support, citing substance abuse and other concerns.
She stated, ” For years, I have covered for Respondents’ struggles with alcohol, marijuana, and gaming, concealing them from our children, family, friends, and his professional circle.”
Elizabeth claims she used to drive her husband to work because of sobriety issues and government drivers would bring him home.
She goes on to say, “On a typical day, he spent much of his time using his THC pen, drinking whiskey, playing games on his iPad, taking a few meetings scattered throughout.”
Political analyst Thomas Holyoke says it’s those allegations that raise concerns about Arambula’s ability to serve constituents.
“It sounds like he was actually going to important meetings as part of job perhaps high which means he would not be able to function at his best,” Holyoke said.
The petition shows Assemblymember Arambula checked himself into rehab on January 6 and includes a photo of a check for $30,000 to Reflections Rehabilitation.
The state legislator sent the following statement to Action News on Friday:
“I voluntarily entered into and successfully completed a 30-day rehab because I recognized I had a problem and I chose to improve my life and be a better father for our children. While in rehab, my wife moved out of our home and filed for divorce to end our 15 years of marriage. Because she has refused to let me see our children unless financial and other demands are met, I am fighting in court for my rights as a father.
I have trust in our court system to reach a fair and impartial resolution based on the facts and not on unreasonable demands, unwarranted fears, and false accusations. I am prepared to demonstrate my continued sobriety to the court and my willingness to support my family. My hope is that we both can move forward, co-parenting our children, prioritizing our children’s needs, and communicating respectfully.
This is a very trying time for my family and me, and I ask for the public’s understanding.”
This is not the first time Arambula has faced scrutiny.
He was arrested on misdemeanor child abuse charges in late 2018 but months later, a jury found him not guilty.
Now he’s once again defending his name and political aspirations.
“They lose public faith and often times, it costs them their career,” Holyoke said.
For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.