Villaraigosa Gets Backing From Fresno Police Chief Dyer

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 7 years ago on

May 31, 2018

Antonio Villaraigosa is banking on the Fresno police chief’s popularity to push his campaign beyond the June 5 primary.
On Tuesday (May 29), Chief Jerry Dyer endorsed the Democratic former mayor of Los Angeles for governor.

“We need a governor who understands the importance of giving certain individuals second chances. But we also need a governor who understands the importance holding people accountable for their actions and insuring victims of crimes get the justice they are so deserving of. I believe Antonio Villaraigosa is that governor.” — Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer

Polls show Villaraigosa, a Democrat, running neck and neck with Republican John Cox to finish second. The top-two finishers, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, is the front-runner, according to the polls.
Dyer said it’s the first endorsement for governor that he’s made.
“We need a governor who understands the importance of giving certain individuals second chances. But we also need a governor who understands the importance holding people accountable for their actions and insuring victims of crimes get the justice they are so deserving of,” Dyer said. “I believe Antonio Villaraigosa is that governor.”
Along with Dyer, Villaraigosa picked up the endorsements of local law enforcement unions such as the Fresno Sheriff’s Deputy Association and Fresno Police Officers Association.

Valley Is Vital to Villaraigosa’s Quest

By Villaraigosa’s count, this is his 57th visit to the Valley, an important part of his strategy to Sacramento.
“I think this the heartland of our state, the breadbasket of our state. I’ve enjoyed the time here learning. I think you’ll see me again and again and again once I’m governor,” Villaraigosa said.

Dyer’s Political Risk

Dyer acknowledged the ledge he’s stepping on, a conservative chief endorsing a Democrat.
“I also understand as a result of that endorsement, perhaps I lose some political capital I have gained in this community, and perhaps throughout the Valley for the last several years. But the truth is, the future well-being of the state of California is far more important than anyone’s political capital,” Dyer said.
Villaraigosa’s staff says there could be one more Valley visit before next Tuesday’s election.
Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, and Fresno City Council President Esmeralda Soria also appeared at the news conference to support Villaraigosa.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Chargers in Need of Help at Wide Receiver and Tight End in the NFL Draft

DON'T MISS

Magic Happens When Kids and Adults Learn to Swim. Tragedy Can Strike if They Don’t.

DON'T MISS

Big Fresno Fair Board Will Be Led by an American Sikh for 1st Time

DON'T MISS

AI ‘Friend’ for Public School Students Falls Flat

DON'T MISS

Is a ‘Friend-Apist’ What We Really Want From Therapy?

DON'T MISS

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Report US Strikes in the Capital and a Coastal City

DON'T MISS

Progressive Icon and Ex-US Rep. Barbara Lee Wins Race for Mayor of Oakland

DON'T MISS

Humanoid Robots Run a Chinese Half-Marathon Alongside Human Competitors

DON'T MISS

Bakersfield Push to Restore Kern River Seeks to Revitalize City

DON'T MISS

Anti-Trump Protesters Turn Out to Rallies Across Country

UP NEXT

Magic Happens When Kids and Adults Learn to Swim. Tragedy Can Strike if They Don’t.

UP NEXT

Big Fresno Fair Board Will Be Led by an American Sikh for 1st Time

UP NEXT

AI ‘Friend’ for Public School Students Falls Flat

UP NEXT

Progressive Icon and Ex-US Rep. Barbara Lee Wins Race for Mayor of Oakland

UP NEXT

Humanoid Robots Run a Chinese Half-Marathon Alongside Human Competitors

UP NEXT

Bakersfield Push to Restore Kern River Seeks to Revitalize City

UP NEXT

Anti-Trump Protesters Turn Out to Rallies Across Country

UP NEXT

250 Years After America Went to War for Independence, a Divided Nation Battles Over Its Legacy

UP NEXT

Greg Cronin Fired as Coach of Anaheim Ducks After 2 Seasons

UP NEXT

Israeli Strikes on Gaza Kill More Than 90 People in 48 Hours, Palestinians Say

David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email