A military veteran and veteran affairs advocate is challenging Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, for Congress in 2026.

Lorenzo Rios announced his candidacy Wednesday. The Republican is a Marine Corps and Army veteran, and current CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

“Make America Great Again isn’t just a slogan, it’s a duty and responsibility,” Rios, R-Clovis, said in a statement. “That mission begins right here. I’m ready to fight for a stronger economy, safer neighborhoods, and greater opportunity for every hardworking family in the Valley.”

Rios has also served roles at Fresno State, as interim president and CEO at Valley PBS, and in several community service positions.

Costa is running for his 12th term. He defeated Republican Michael Maher in 2024, 53% to 47%.

District 21, which includes parts of Fresno and Tulare counties, has a Democratic voter registration advantage over Republicans of 41% to 28%.

Costa reported more than $218,000 on hand as of March 31. New figures are expected soon. Rios has not posted any financials yet.

After the story published, Costa issued this statement, “It is my honor and privilege to serve the constituents of the 21st Congressional District.  I am running for re-election in 2026 and look forward to seeing Lorenzo as he learns about the region that I serve.”

Also, Costa reported his latest financial figures, through June 30. He raised more than $256,000 for the April-June quarter, with $400,736 cash on hand.

Clovis Council Makes Appointments

The Clovis City Council nominated and approved members to both the Measure Y Oversight Committee and General Plan Advisory Committee.

The Measure Y Oversight Committee will oversee the spending plan for the 1% sales tax increase approved by voters in November. Each councilmember selected a member of the five-person board:

• Sarah Anderson, by Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck
• Desiree Haus, by Councilmember Matt Basgall
• LaDonna Snow, by Councilmember Drew Bessinger
• Eric Rollins, by Councilmember Diane Pearce
• Greg Newman, by Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua

Anderson is a physical therapist at Clovis Community Medical Center.

Haus is currently a director at Southland Industries and listed several nonprofits she has volunteered with. She ran for city council in 2022, finishing sixth in a 10-person race.

Newman is currently CEO of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and has also served on several city and local committees.

Snow is the CEO of Snowflake Designs and has served on several Clovis committees.

Rollins is a frequent attendee and commenter at City Hall meetings and a conservative radio show host.

Members must have been a Clovis resident for at least two years. The city council approved the selections by a 5-0 vote at its Monday meeting.

GPAC Committee

Clovis is in the early stages of a three-year process revising the general plan — the guideline on land use and future development of the city. Appointing 15 members to the advisory committee is one of the first steps. Two nonvoting members representing youth will also participate.

Adoption of the general plan is slated in 2027, according to a city staff timeline.

City staff made recommendations from more than 50 applicants in the development, business, public organization, community service, and at-large sectors. The first monthly meeting is expected in September.

The city council voted 5-0 to approve 15 members, one of the two youth members, and eight backup members, who could be appointed if there is a vacancy:

• Eric Jans, real estate broker
• Brandon De Young, executive vice president of developer De Young Properties
• Michael Prandini, former leader of the local Building Industry Association chapter
• Todd Cook, Cook and Company
• Greg Newman, CEO of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce
• Jay Virk, real estate developer
• Manny Penn, land developer
• Andrew Nabors, coordinator of administrative services for Clovis Unified
• Aubrey Gillen, educator
• Mark Keppler, former executive director of the Maddy Institute
• Leann Keeler, community service coordinator
• Josh Phanco, owner of insurance company, city council candidate in 2022
• Brad Gattie, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office sergeant
• Susan Patterson, retired nurse
• Ryan Indart, educator/farmer
• Dilnoor Riar, nonvoting former Youth Commission member
• Eligible as backups: Trevor Beal, Kyle Lowe, Dubin Lloren, Blake Zante, Sayre Miller, Hylon Kaufmann, Ryan Budge, and Steven Fogg.

Other Clovis actions

The council voted 5-0 to approve raises for nonrepresented management — 3% for fiscal year 2025-26, and 2% for the following two years. Police and fire will also receive a $500 increase for uniform allowance to $2,000, among several other benefits. The total cost for the city over three years is $3.9 million.

Several other executives will receive wage increases between 3% and 7%, based on salary surveys that found their pay below market rate.

The fire department will buy a new engine pumper for $1.2 million and fire truck for $2.3 million after a 5-0 approval by the council.