A local ballot measure that would increase Fresno County sales tax to benefit Fresno State could return for a third time.

Richard F. Spencer, the construction magnate who was Measure E’s chief financial supporter the first two times, said it could return in November 2024 or sometime in 2026.

“(I’m) still thinking,” Spencer said.

And, he still plans to support Measure E 3.0.

“Of course. What can I do? None of us wants to die as a loser, right?” Spencer said.

Spencer has spent millions of dollars attempting to pass the first two versions of Measure E, both of which voters rejected.

Text Survey Sent

Politics 101 heard several reports of text surveys sent on Measure E, asking questions about why it failed.

“In a few words of your own, please describe why you voted NO on Measure E, the measure for Fresno State,” asked one question, sent from “Fresno County Voter Survey.”

The first Measure E failed in November 2022, 53% to 47%. Voters then said no by a stronger margin to a revised version on March 5, 57% to 43%.

The 2024 version proposed raising the Fresno County sales tax by one-quarter percent for 25 years. Supporters said it would raise $1.5 billion for Fresno State building and maintenance projects, plus scholarships.

A potential new Measure E could be upcoming in November, the text survey said. It proposes a one-eighth percent sales tax for 25 years, raising an approximate $29 million annually, or about $725 million.

The survey also asked whether they found a statement about improving Measure E 2.0 “convincing.” Some of the changes cited in the question included lowering the size of the tax and increasing money for scholarships.

A bipartisan group of opponents ahead of the March primary said the measure was too costly for rich and poor alike and lacked transparency.

For the prior versions of Measure E, supporters collected enough signatures from registered voters to place it on the ballot. Such measures need only a simple majority to pass. However, there is a proposed statewide initiative to raise the threshold for passage to two-thirds and it could be on the November ballot. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom is mounting a legal challenge to block the two-third proposal from the ballot.

State GOP Bullish on Joanna Garcia Rose vs. Esmeralda Soria

First-time Assembly candidate Joanna Garcia Rose scored a moral victory, it not an actual one, in the March primary.

She earned 50.9% of the Assembly District 27 vote over incumbent Esmeralda Soria, who had 49.1%.

It was no surprise to Garcia Rose, R-Atwater.

“People in California are ready for change. They’re ready for something different. And I definitely have that to offer,” Garcia Rose said.

Since they were the only two candidates running, both advanced to the Nov. 5 general election in California’s “top-two” system.

Garcia Rose, a business manager of high security with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is optimistic she can replicate the results.

“I don’t need to out fundraise her. Clearly she out fundraised me, 36 to 1 and I still won. So I expect to do that in November. I’m just going to keep working hard and bring my message. And that’s been resonating with with both sides,” Garcia Rose said.

Actually, Soria, D-Fresno, outraised her opponent 43 to 1. She raised $1.8 million through Feb. 17 in this election cycle. She has $1.2 million cash on hand.

Garcia Rose raised $41,745 through Feb. 17, with $16,754 cash on hand.

The state GOP thinks AD 27 can be flipped. Corrin Rankin, vice chair of the California Republican Party, says there is lot of enthusiasm for Garcia Rose.

“There’s something going on in the state of California that has a lot of people that are feeling really disenfranchised with the Democrat Party,” Rankin said. “What we’ve been seeing is that they’re willing to give Republicans a try.”

The March 5 numbers showed Garcia Rose won with non-Republicans.

The district, which covers parts of Merced, Fresno and Madera counties, is registered 42% Democratic, 28% Republican, and 22% no party preference.

Soria’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Costa Honors Fresno Leader With Congressional Award

Honoring her service to the community, Congressmember Jim Costa awarded Fresno leader Margarita Rocha with the Lois Haight Award of Excellence and Innovation in a Washington, D.C., ceremony last week.

“Margarita has dedicated her life to uplifting families and victims of crime. Under her leadership, Centro La Familia is creating a safe space for survivors to get the support they need,” said Costa (D-Fresno). “Margarita continues to inspire and grow the next generation of advocates to do the same. I’m proud to recognize her tireless efforts in helping the most vulnerable members of Fresno County.”

The honor from the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus recognizes “outstanding public servants who have dedicated their lives to helping victims of crime.”

“Growing up in a monolingual Spanish-speaking family who was often fearful of seeking help, I was determined to create a space where all could feel safe and heard,” Rocha said. “With a dedicated team at Centro La Familia, we strive daily to empower survivors, particularly those from underserved communities, from a culturally sensitive lens. We are guided by the principle: ‘we are who we serve,’ advocating for those silenced by fear and unawareness of their rights. I am deeply honored by this recognition from Congressman Costa.”

Rocha was one of eight individuals honored at the 2024 Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus ceremony.

Rep. Jim Costa, left, honored Margarita Rocha at a Washington, D.C. ceremony last week. (Office of Rep. Jim Costa)