Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza, shown here in 2022 , is running for state Senate in 2026. (GV Wire File)
- Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza will run for state senate.
- The seat will be termed out by Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, in 2026.
- Esparza is a two-term councilmember.
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Nelson Esparza wants to head to Sacramento.
The two-term Fresno City Councilmember announced a run for state Senate in 2026. He would run for Senate District 14, currently represented by Anna Caballero, D-Merced. Caballero is termed out after 2026.
The district covers much of the city of Fresno, extending to the western part of Fresno County. It also includes parts of Madera and Merced counties, including the cities of Madera and Merced.
Esparza, a Democrat, won election to the city council in 2018, and was re-elected in 2022, representing east-central Fresno. He also held public office with the Fresno County Board of Education.
In a video announcing his run, Esparza said he will support education, raising wages, housing, and public safety.
Esparza is also an economics instructor at Fresno City College.
As a councilmember Esparza has sponsored economic growth plans, especially along the Blackstone Avenue corridor. In addition, he has supported progressive causes such as eviction protection.
Related Story: Councilman Esparza’s Legal Issues Cost Taxpayers at Least $113,000
Colleagues, Union Endorsing
He rolled out several endorsements, including fellow councilmembers Tyler Maxwell, Mike Karbassi, and Luis Chavez. He also won support from the city’s Republican mayor, Jerry Dyer.
Several unions have pledged support for Esparza.
City Attorney Controversy
In 2022, the Fresno County District Attorney’s office charged Esparza with the attempted extortion of then-City Attorney Douglas Sloan. The charge, which centered on the allegation that Nelson threated Sloan with the loss of his job, was dropped.
City taxpayers covered Esparza’s legal costs, which totaled more than $113,000.
Esparza’s Campaign Chest
Esparza previously announced a 2026 run for the state Board of Equalization. His latest campaign financial disclosure showed $57,000 cash on hand as of June 30.
His remaining city council account showed $51,000 cash on hand as of Dec. 31, 2023.
No other candidate has an active campaign account for the Senate district.
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