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Bigelow Forgoes Assembly Re-Election Bid, Sets Sights on 2024
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 3 years ago on
February 17, 2022

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Frank Bigelow is sitting out a 2022 re-election bid for Assembly and instead looks to run again in 2024.

“In the next two years, I look forward to more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren on the ranch, while I continue my mission of electing more Republicans throughout California,” Bigelow, R-O’Neals, wrote on Twitter.

Photo of GV Wire's David Taub

David Taub

Politics 101

Because of redistricting, Bigelow and fellow incumbent Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, live in the new Assembly District 8. They represented AD 5 and 23, respectively, prior to the new lines.

Both Bigelow and Patterson are in their 10th year of service in the Assembly. The maximum is 12 years. If Patterson wins re-election, he would be termed out. Bigelow would still have two years of eligibility left.

Bigelow has a big campaign war chest. As of the last filing, Bigelow reported $1.2 million cash on hand. He also has a separate campaign fund titled “Rebuilding California: Assemblyman Frank Bigelow Ballot Measure Committee.” That has about $24,000.


Also in Politics 101: 

  • Special election candidates are set for April 5. 
  • Shuffling of local congressional staffers.

Special Election Candidates Set

The California Secretary of State has certified six candidates to run for the special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Devin Nunes.

Ballots will be mailed out and early voting starts March 7.

The special election ends on April 5. A runoff is scheduled for June 7 if no candidate receives a majority of votes. If that’s the case, the top two candidates will advance, regardless of party affiliation.

The candidates:

— Marine veteran Eric Garcia, D-Clovis;

— State water employee Lourin Hubbard, D-Fresno;

— Former Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare;

— Tech entrepreneur Elizabeth Heng, R-Fresno;

— Businessman Michael Maher, R-Kingsburg;

— Businessman Matt Stoll, R-Visalia.

Nunes resigned on Jan. 1 to become CEO of former President Donald Trump’s new media company.

Certified candidates for Congressional District 22 special election. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

Congressional Communications Shuffle

Working as a staffer for a member of Congress can be as fluid as water rushing through the San Joaquin River — wait, that may not be the right metaphor.

Nonetheless, two local congressmen have added new communications staffers. Blake Zante, the former Fresno State student body president turned politico for state Sen. Andreas Borgeas, R-Fresno, is now working as political director on the campaign for Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.

With redistricting, McCarthy now represents part of Fresno and Clovis in Congressional District 20.

Taking Zante’s duties on Borgeas’ team is Julie Sauls, the current chief of staff.

Rep. David Valadao also changed his media contact. Faith Mabry — formerly in the communications office of Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Surfside — takes over for Faith VanderVoort. She left for political fundraiser TAG Strategies.

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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

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