Local
Bigelow Forgoes Assembly Re-Election Bid, Sets Sights on 2024
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.
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.
— Frank Bigelow (@FrankBigelowCA) February 16, 2022
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.
Related Story: Radanovich Launches Political Comeback With State Senate Bid
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.
