Three Fresno County Superior Court commissioners say they are interested in running for a full judgeship — if one becomes available.

And three incumbent judges could be headed for the sidelines instead of seeking re-election on the June 2 ballot.

Judge John Vogt already told GV Wire he is not running for re-election. D. Tyler Tharpe and Gregory Fain had not pulled papers to run again as of last week. Neither Tharpe nor Fain returned messages seeking details about their future plans.

The other 15 incumbents pulled papers to run again. Sitting judges have until Feb. 4 to decide whether to seek re-election. The filing period would extend to Feb. 9 for challengers if an incumbent does not file.

Three Ready to Run

Jennifer Hamilton, Daniel Brickey and Noelle Pebet — all commissioners in the Fresno County Superior Court system — told GV Wire they are seeking a voter-approved promotion.

Court commissioners are appointed by judges to perform judicial functions and can act as temporary judges in cases.

“I intend to run if there is an open seat available,” Hamilton told GV Wire. “I would be honored to serve as a judge.”

Hamilton has served as a court commissioner for six years and supervises the family division.

“Given the work I already perform as a court commissioner, and encouragement from colleagues and members of the legal community, I intend to run for Superior Court judge if a seat opens,” Pebet said.

She has served as a commissioner for seven years and was a Fresno County deputy district attorney for 12 years before that.

Brickey has served as a commissioner for three years and currently works in the criminal felony department.

“I’ve been proud to serve the people of Fresno County throughout my career and hope to continue to do so,” Brickey said.

If an incumbent faces no challenger, that judgeship will not appear on the ballot.

Villaraigosa Heads to Fresno for Fundraiser

Antonio Villaraigosa will return to Fresno next month to raise funds for his campaign for governor. Several prominent developers and farmers are hosting the event.

Dennis Parnagian, Ed Kashian, Sal Gonzales, and Stuart Woolf will host the evening event Feb. 4 at a location that has not been publicly disclosed.

Suggested contributions range from the “guest” level at $500 to the “platinum” level at $5,000.

Villaraigosa has made several Central Valley appearances during his latest campaign.

Leon Barraza Running Again

Jose Leon Barraza is making another run for Fresno City Council. He announced he is running in the June 2 primary to represent District 5 in southeast Fresno.

Leon Barraza is a city parks commissioner and former CEO of the nonprofit Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association. He cites blight reduction and economic development as his top priorities.

He advocates finishing current projects before pursuing development in the Southeast Development Area.

Voters have said no several times to Leon Barraza — 2010, 2016 special election,  2018, and the 2025 special election.

Incumbent Brandon Vang is running for re-election. Others who have pulled papers or announced intentions to run include State Center Community College District Trustee Danielle Parra and perennial candidate Nickolas Wildstar.