Jim Patterson says he is staying put at the state Capitol.

On Monday (Nov. 26), GV Wire wrote about the possibility of Patterson running for the soon-to-be-vacant Fresno County supervisor seat, held by state Sen.-elect Andreas Borgeas.

Patterson, a Republican Assemblyman from Fresno, quashed all speculation Tuesday.

“To clear the rumor mill once and for all, I will not be seeking the vacated seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Now more than ever, our region and its values need a persistent and persuasive voice and vote in the State Capitol,” Patterson said in an email statement.

The conservative Lincoln Club’s Michael Der Manouel Jr. had suggested to GV Wire that Patterson think about running for the supervisorial seat.

Who May Run

Fresno City Councilman Steve Brandau has said he is definitely running for the county’s District 2 seat.

Here is a list of others who say they are contemplating jumping into the fray:

— Fresno County prosecutor and former congressional candidate Andrew Janz

— Fresno attorney and former city council candidate Brian Whelan

— Former Central California Blood Center CEO Dean Eller

— Local labor leader Chuck Riojas

Election Dates

Borgeas will officially vacate the seat Dec. 3. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to call for a special election the following day. The election would be held March 5, 2019. If no candidate achieves a simple majority, a special election would take place June 4.

The county estimates the elections will cost $250,000, and the tab will be picked up by the General Fund.

The filing period is Dec. 4 through 5 p.m., Dec. 12. The filing fee is $1,200.25, with a statement of qualification fee of $1,300. A candidate needs 20 signatures to run for the seat.

The District

District 2 spans north-central Fresno County and is primarily metropolitan. It includes north and central Fresno, Clovis, Fig Garden, Pinedale, Fresno State, and shopping centers such as Manchester, River Park and Fashion Fair.