At 24, Nav Gurm has plenty of political experience working in Fresno, running campaigns and serving as a city council aide. Instead of helping candidates win office, he now wants to become one.

Gurm announced his run for Fresno City Council — in 2026. He wants to succeed the man he once worked for — Nelson Esparza — in District 7, encompassing east and central Fresno.

“This community is personal to me. I want to make sure we continue to move Fresno forward. I have the experience and vision to serve the community of Fresno at large and the residents of District 7 specifically,” Gurm said.

Born in New Jersey, Gurm’s family moved to Fresno County when he was 10.

Gurm, who recently served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, is studying law at UC Davis, with an expected graduation in 2025.

If elected — the primary is June 2, 2026 — Gurm could become the youngest councilmember since Henry T. Perea (25) in 2003, and the first Sikh, and Dastar (turban)-wearing elected official in Fresno history.

Gurm is holding a “pre-launch fundraiser” on Sept. 30. He already has endorsements from Esparza, Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, and former councilmember and county supervisor Henry R. Perea.

Beltran Traveling on Valley Voice Trip

Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran will represent the region during a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.

The Sept. 10-11 trip is part of the Valley Voice advocacy, organized by the San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies Policy Council — a collaboration of 10 Central Valley regional planning agencies, including the Fresno Council of Governments..

At the top of the wish list — continued federal funding to expand Highway 99, especially $25 million in south Fresno. Other issues include air quality and train projects.

Other Central Valley leaders attending include Kerman City Councilmember Gary Yep, Kings County Supervisor Doug Verboon, Madera City Councilmember Jose Rodriguez, and Madera County Supervisor Robert Poythress.

The Fresno Council of Governments — part of the regional planning agencies — also has an annual Washington trip in the spring, known as “One Voice.”

Patterson On Assembly Gas Committee

While the state Senate is playing chicken with Gov. Gavin Newsom about a special session on gas prices, the Assembly is set. This week, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, named a special committee to examine the issue. He appointed Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, as the Petroleum and Gasoline Supply committee’s vice chair.

Newsom called the special session to potentially pass new energy bills that were not taken up during the regular legislative year. Rivas agreed; state Senate President Pro-Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, balked.

Democrats introduced a bill that would increase crude oil and fuel capacity. However, there is no date set for the special committee to meet.

Quick Meeting for Planning Commission

Congratulations to the Fresno City Planning Commission, winner of the unofficial “Quick Meeting” award. The commissioners clocked in and out Wednesday in just six minutes.

There were only two items on the agenda — approve minutes from the Aug. 7 meeting, and an extension on a housing proposal in west Fresno. Both items were on the consent agenda, and decided on one vote without the discussion.

The rest of the meeting a report from city planning director Jennifer Clark, and one public commenter. The meeting ended at 6:06 p.m.