The election for state Senate for the seat including most of Fresno will be a battle between former colleagues on the Fresno City Council.

Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, officially announced her run Tuesday. Politics 101 reported her consideration several weeks ago.

She said she wants to “continue fighting” for healthcare, and improved public safety.

“That’s why I’m stepping up to run for Senate District 14 — to continue fighting for our families, workers, and small businesses and to ensure that the Central Valley gets the resources and representation we deserve. We need strong leadership to tackle the challenges ahead, and I’m ready to keep delivering for our community,” Soria said in an email announcement.

The district covers much of the city of Fresno, the western half of Fresno County, and parts of Merced and Madera counties.

Fresno City Council candidate Nelson Esparza already announced his run for state Senate. Esparza and Soria served together on the city council from 2019 through 2022.

“This is a democracy — and as such — I respect the Assemblymember’s choice to run and welcome my old friend Esmeralda to the race,” Esparza told Politics 101.

Esparza said he is running “because the people of our Valley demanded a voice — someone who will go to Sacramento and shake things up.”

“I look forward to having a series of spirited debates, and a wide ranging dialogue about the issues impacting working families across our region,” Esparza said.

Soria is in her second term representing Assembly District 27, covering parts of Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. By running for the Senate, she will vacate her Assembly seat after the 2026 November general election.

One other candidate has filed to run so far for the Assembly seat in 2026 — former Merced mayor Michael Murphy.

The Fundraising

Esparza, D-Fresno, reported $275,195 in his campaign account as of Dec. 31. Soria reported $15,000 as of Dec. 31.

However, Soria is known as a prolific fundraiser. She pulled in $2 million for calendar year 2024.

Soria also established a separate legal defense fund account in February — with a $5,000 contribution from her campaign account, and $7,500 from the California State Council of Service Employees Small Contributor Committee.

She is embroiled in a defamation lawsuit from her 2022 run against Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi. That case continues in the courts.

Endorsement Battle?

Soria also announced the endorsement of the woman she wants to succeed, Anna Caballero, D-Merced. Caballero is termed out of the state Legislature after 2026.

“Esmeralda Soria is the fighter that the Central Valley needs in the Senate. In the Assembly, she’s proven that she can bring resources home, stand up for working families, and deliver real results. I know she will continue that leadership in the Senate, and I am proud to support her,” Caballero said in a news release.

The current Fresno City Council is split, at least on the Democratic side. Tyler Maxwell and Karbassi endorsed Esparza; Miguel Arias and Annalisa Perea endorsed Soria.

Even the two Democrats on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors are split — Brian Pacheco for Soria, and Luis Chavez for Esparza.

Esparza has congressmembers Jim Costa, Adam Gray, and the Republican mayor of Fresno, Jerry Dyer, on his side.

Both sides list Mendota Mayor Ray Leon, Central Unified trustee Naindeep Singh, and State Center trustee Destiny Rodriguez.

Singh said he is likely to pick only one, but not yet. Rodriguez said she is supporting both.

The state Democratic Party is expected to make its official endorsement at a convention later this year.

Arambulas Backing Celedon

Sandra Celedon, D-Fresno, is getting early financial support for the Assemblymember she wants to succeed, Joaquin Arambula.

Arambula, D-Fresno, and his mother, Amelia Arambula, contributed $5,900 each. Fresno attorney Ampara Cid also gave $5,900, as did former Assemblymember Sarah Reyes.

Reyes is currently the chief communication officer for The California Endowment, which helped start Fresno BHC.

Celedon is the president and CEO of nonprofit Fresno Building Healthy Communities.

She has run into controversy before, including a 2020 “burn it down” social media post after the Twin Cities riots.

Arambula is not running in 2026, opting for a go at Fresno City Council, District 3. First elected to the Assembly in a 2016 special election, Arambula believes he would be termed out next year anyway.