Kyle Kirkland is making another attempt at Congress.

The Clovis Republican, best known for operating Fresno’s Club One Casino, announced he is challenging incumbent Jim Costa in Congressional District 21.

“In my career, I’ve had to compete, make products and payrolls, work with others and succeed, not with government help, but in spite of it,” Kirkland said in a news release. “Our government chases self-serving priorities and ignores waste and fraud while families struggle and taxpayers bear the burden.”

Costa, D-Fresno, is an 11-term congressman running for re-election. Also running is Lorenzo Rios, R-Clovis, a veterans advocate and CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Costa has $545,905 cash on hand according to the latest FEC report. Rios has $148,389 cash on hand.

Kirkland ran for the special election in Congressional District 20 in 2021 but did not advance beyond the primary. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, won the election.

Even with the new district lines approved by voters through Proposition 50, the Democratic registration advantage over Republicans remains virtually the same at +13 in District 21.

New FYI Terminal Set to Open Dec. 17

The new $150 million airport terminal is scheduled to open Dec. 17, city officials tell Politics 101. Earlier in the year, November was the target date.

“This is a tentative date and is subject to change to allow for any final construction work,” airport spokesperson Vikkie Calderon said.

The airport project includes a new terminal, baggage handling area, an international arrival and screening area, and an already opened 900-space parking garage.

Transportation Experts Question Measure C Plan

The Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board is scheduled to vote on the Measure C allocations at its Thursday meeting.

The policy board is comprised of mayors of the 15 cities within the county and a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Measure C is the half-cent Fresno County sales tax for transportation projects. It expires in 2027 and needs to be renewed by voters next year to continue.

The steering committee — the advisory group established by Fresno COG — recommended spending 65% of future Measure C money — an estimated $4.8 billion for a 30-year renewal — for existing neighborhood streets and roads. Public transit is slated at 25% or $1.8 billion.

The policy board meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Fresno COG office (2035 Tulare St., downtown Fresno). It is open to the public.

A group of transportation officials — including former Fresno COG executive director Tony Boren — sent Fresno COG a letter, questioning the steering committee recommendations. The group calls for 70% spending on local streets, 18% on regional roads and highways, and 11% on public transit.

After Fresno COG approval, the measure needs to be approved by city councils representing a majority of residents, then to the Board of Supervisors to place the item on the ballot.