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.<\/p>\n
According to the Fresno County Registrar of Voters<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Federal Race<\/p>\n Kyle Kirkland<\/a> (R) \u2013 U.S. Congress, California\u2019s 21st District\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Key policies include lowering housing, gas and healthcare costs, reducing government regulations, increasing border security and expanding water infrastructure.<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Kirkland\u2019s policies could impact:\u00a0<\/p>\n Lower housing costs, which affect the rent prices in Fresno\u2019s student housing market.\u00a0 Lorenzo Rios<\/a> (R) \u2013 U.S. Congress, California\u2019s 21st District\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Key policies include strengthening the local economy, expanding opportunities for Central Valley residents and improving public safety and community services.\u00a0<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Rios\u2019 policies could impact:\u00a0<\/p>\n Federal funding decisions that affect Pell Grants, student loans and education programs. County and State Races<\/p>\n Margaret Mims<\/a> (No Party Affiliation) \u2013 Fresno County Supervisor<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Key policies include prioritizing public safety, protecting Central Valley agriculture and improving water management and storage systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Mims\u2019 policies could impact:<\/p>\n County decisions about housing development and infrastructure, which could affect the cost of living on campus.\u00a0 Nathan Magsig<\/a> (R) \u2013 California State Senate (2026)<\/p>\n Nathan Magsig currently serves on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and has also previously served as Clovis mayor.<\/p>\n Key policies include creating water storage projects, expanding the economic development in Fresno and supporting agriculture and public safety.<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Magsig\u2019s policies could impact:<\/p>\n State legislation affecting funding for universities like Fresno State. Annalisa Perea<\/a> (D) \u2013 California State Assembly, District 31<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Key policies include increasing access to affordable housing, expanding economic development and improving transportation infrastructure in the Central Valley.<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Perea\u2019s policies could impact:\u00a0<\/p>\n State funding for public universities and student programs.\u00a0 Sandra Celedon<\/a> (D) \u2013 California State Assembly, District 31<\/p>\n Celedon is a longtime Fresno community activist and the CEO of Fresno Building Health Communities, a nonprofit focused on public health and social equity.<\/p>\n Key policies include expanding healthcare access, investing in parks and community spaces and addressing environmental justice issues across the Central Valley.<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Celedon\u2019s policies could impact:<\/p>\n Public health programs and community partnerships connected to Fresno State.\u00a0 Nelson Esparza<\/a> (D) \u2013 California State Senate, District 14<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Key policies include expanding workforce development programs, supporting public transportation and increasing housing construction.\u00a0<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Esparza\u2019s policies could impact:\u00a0<\/p>\n Workforce development programs and internship pipelines for graduates.\u00a0 Local City Races\u00a0<\/p>\n Diane Pearce<\/a> (R) \u2013 Clovis City Council<\/p>\n Diane Pearce is a political commentator and small business owner who previously worked for\u00a0 U.S. Congressman George Radanovich and served on the Fresno County Civil Service Commission.\u00a0<\/p>\n Key policies include fully funding police and public safety, supporting local small businesses and maintaining local control over development.\u00a0<\/p>\n For Fresno State students, Pearce\u2019s policies could impact:<\/p>\n Clovis city policies influence housing development in nearby neighborhoods where many students live close to campus.\u00a0
\nEconomic development policies, which create more internships or job opportunities after graduation.
\nWater and agriculture policies, which influence the research fields at Fresno State.<\/p>\n
\nEconomic policies that could influence the job market for graduating seniors.<\/p>\n
\nAgricultural policies that influence Fresno State\u2019s nationally recognized agriculture programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nWater and agriculture policies impacting Fresno State\u2019s agricultural research and regional economy.<\/p>\n
\nHousing initiatives that may help reduce housing shortages near campus.\u00a0
\nTransportation investments that affect commuting students.<\/p>\n
\nEnvironmental and sustainability programs that support campus research initiatives.\u00a0
\nState funding for community development projects.<\/p>\n
\nTransportation policies that affect commuting students.\u00a0
\nState education funding for CSU campuses like Fresno State.<\/p>\n
\nLocal business policies may affect job opportunities for some students.<\/p>\n