As the 2026 election season begins, candidates for local, state and federal government offices across Fresno County are starting their campaigns ahead of the June 2 California primary elections.

According to the Fresno County Registrar of Voters, candidate filing for the primary took place between February and March 2026. Several candidates recently appeared at the Fresno County Candidate Forum to discuss their priorities and plans for the Central Valley.

Below is a breakdown of some of the candidates who appeared at the Fresno County Candidate forum and the issues they say they want to address throughout the community. 

Federal Race

Kyle Kirkland (R) – U.S. Congress, California’s 21st District 

Kirkland is a local business owner and leader of Club One Casino in Fresno. His campaign heavily focuses on lowering the cost of living, strengthening economic development in the Central Valley and reducing government regulation. 

Key policies include lowering housing, gas and healthcare costs, reducing government regulations, increasing border security and expanding water infrastructure.

For Fresno State students, Kirkland’s policies could impact: 

Lower housing costs, which affect the rent prices in Fresno’s student housing market. 
Economic development policies, which create more internships or job opportunities after graduation.
Water and agriculture policies, which influence the research fields at Fresno State.

Lorenzo Rios (R) – U.S. Congress, California’s 21st District 

Rios is a military veteran and Clovis community leader running for Congress. Rios has been involved in several Central Valley organizations and also previously served as interim CEO of Valley PBS.

Key policies include strengthening the local economy, expanding opportunities for Central Valley residents and improving public safety and community services. 

For Fresno State students, Rios’ policies could impact: 

Federal funding decisions that affect Pell Grants, student loans and education programs.
Economic policies that could influence the job market for graduating seniors.

County and State Races

Margaret Mims (No Party Affiliation) – Fresno County Supervisor

Mims served 16 years as Fresno County Sheriff and is currently running for the District 4 supervisor seat. Mims entered the race after longtime supervisor Buddy Mendes announced his retirement.

Key policies include prioritizing public safety, protecting Central Valley agriculture and improving water management and storage systems. 

For Fresno State students, Mims’ policies could impact:

County decisions about housing development and infrastructure, which could affect the cost of living on campus. 
Agricultural policies that influence Fresno State’s nationally recognized agriculture programs. 

Nathan Magsig (R) – California State Senate (2026)

Nathan Magsig currently serves on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and has also previously served as Clovis mayor.

Key policies include creating water storage projects, expanding the economic development in Fresno and supporting agriculture and public safety.

For Fresno State students, Magsig’s policies could impact:

State legislation affecting funding for universities like Fresno State.
Water and agriculture policies impacting Fresno State’s agricultural research and regional economy.

Annalisa Perea (D) – California State Assembly, District 31

Perea currently serves on the Fresno City Council and is running for the California State Assembly. Perea has received support from several Democratic leaders and other organizations in the region like Robert Rivas, Anna Caballero and Rob Bonta.

Key policies include increasing access to affordable housing, expanding economic development and improving transportation infrastructure in the Central Valley.

For Fresno State students, Perea’s policies could impact: 

State funding for public universities and student programs. 
Housing initiatives that may help reduce housing shortages near campus. 
Transportation investments that affect commuting students.

Sandra Celedon (D) – California State Assembly, District 31

Celedon is a longtime Fresno community activist and the CEO of Fresno Building Health Communities, a nonprofit focused on public health and social equity.

Key policies include expanding healthcare access, investing in parks and community spaces and addressing environmental justice issues across the Central Valley.

For Fresno State students, Celedon’s policies could impact:

Public health programs and community partnerships connected to Fresno State. 
Environmental and sustainability programs that support campus research initiatives. 
State funding for community development projects.

Nelson Esparza (D) – California State Senate, District 14

Esparza currently serves on the Fresno City Council and has launched a campaign for the California state Senate. His campaign emphasizes economic development, housing affordability and infrastructure investments in the Central Valley.

Key policies include expanding workforce development programs, supporting public transportation and increasing housing construction. 

For Fresno State students, Esparza’s policies could impact: 

Workforce development programs and internship pipelines for graduates. 
Transportation policies that affect commuting students. 
State education funding for CSU campuses like Fresno State.

Local City Races 

Diane Pearce (R) – Clovis City Council

Diane Pearce is a political commentator and small business owner who previously worked for  U.S. Congressman George Radanovich and served on the Fresno County Civil Service Commission. 

Key policies include fully funding police and public safety, supporting local small businesses and maintaining local control over development. 

For Fresno State students, Pearce’s policies could impact:

Clovis city policies influence housing development in nearby neighborhoods where many students live close to campus. 
Local business policies may affect job opportunities for some students.

Mason Magsig  (No Party Affiliation) – Clovis City Council
Mason Magsig is a commercial lending professional running for Clovis City Council District 1. 

Key policies include revitalizing older neighborhoods and encouraging business development rather than raising taxes.

For Fresno State students, Magsig’s policies and efforts could impact:

Local economic growth could increase job opportunities for students. 
Neighborhood development may affect housing availability and rent prices for students looking for housing.

Nick Sahota (D) – Fresno County Supervisor, District 4

Sahota is a Central Valley community advocate running for Fresno County Supervisor. His campaign focuses on housing development, economic opportunity and expanding community services throughout Fresno County. 

Key policies include improving affordable housing access, expanding small business opportunities and investing in public infrastructure.

For Fresno State students, Sahota’s policies could impact: 

Housing development that could affect student rental markets. 
Local economic programs that may create job opportunities for graduates. 
County investments in public services used by students living in Fresno.

Local elections often have direct impacts on student life. Decisions about development, housing, public transportation, water policy and economic development can affect many student voters, from the cost of rent near campus to job opportunities after graduation. 

While national elections often receive the most attention, local and state leaders play critical roles in shaping policies, especially for students.