March 7, 2026 – SACRAMENTO, CA \u2013 On Tuesday, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) announced plans ![\"Esmeralda](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Esmeralda-Soria-Assemblymember.jpg\")
to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California. The action stems from reports of a registered sex offender in Fresno expressing interest in running for Fresno City Council, an election taking place this June.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s deeply disturbing that this issue is unfolding in my own backyard. The idea that a registered sex offender could run for public office in the City of Fresno is unacceptable,\u201d Soria said. \u201cThis bill will ensure once and for all that registered sex offenders are prohibited from seeking public office in California, so voters can have confidence that those seeking to represent them meet the most basic standards of public trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
Currently there exists no law or statute prohibiting registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Assemblywoman Soria plans to amend\u00a0AB 2753,\u00a0which will soon include language prohibiting any registered sex offender in the State of California for running for local or state public office.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud to support any legislation that bans registered sex offenders from holding public office, it is simply common sense,\u201d\u00a0said Fresno City Councilman Nelson Esparza (D).\u00a0\u201cElected officials must have the trust of the public to govern effectively. Individuals who have committed these types of offenses have violated that trust in the most profound way. There must be zero tolerance when it comes to safeguarding our children and ensuring that public officials can lawfully carry out all the responsibilities of their office.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The recent announcement of a registered sex offender expressing interest in running for city council in California\u2019s fifth largest city has united both democrat and republican leaders in Fresno.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf state law prevents candidacy from citizens whose crimes have violated public trust, and that doesn\u2019t yet include the crime of violating the innocence of our youth for some twisted personal pleasure, then it\u2019s missing the mark,\u201d\u00a0said Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson (R).\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cProtecting children must always come before protecting political ambitions. Individuals who have committed sexual offenses, particularly against minors, should be nowhere near positions of public authority,\u201d\u00a0said Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea (D). \u201cThose who have violated that trust in the most serious way have disqualified themselves from sitting at those decision-making tables. I\u2019m proud to stand with Assemblymember Soria to draw a clear line: the safety of our children and the integrity of our institutions are not negotiable.”<\/p>\n
Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District, which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.<\/p>\n
Facebook:\u00a0@Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria<\/a><\/p>\n Instagram:\u00a0@asmesmeraldasoria<\/a><\/p>\n BlueSky:\u00a0@esmeraldasoria.bsky.social
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Source:\u00a0Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria<\/p>\n