Former Fresno City Councilmember and state Assemblymember Mike Briggs has died following a brief battle with cancer, his family announced on Monday.

Briggs was remembered for a life devoted to public service, the arts, and community advocacy, his family noted.

His family said he spent his final months surrounded by loved ones.

In addition to his political career, Briggs was a Realtor, professional classical and flamenco guitarist, and supporter of the arts. In 2008, he founded CentralValleyTalk.com, an internet and TV station created to promote small businesses and give authors a broader platform.

His family described him as a devoted father, friend, and mentor known for his humor, determination and care for others.

A public memorial will be held in the coming days, with details to be announced, family members said.

Briggs’ Political Career

A centrist Republican who often reached out to the other side of the aisle, Briggs won election to the city council in 1994, capturing 53.6% of the vote against Joy Vincent-Killian to represent Fresno High neighborhoods.

Rather than run for a second term, Briggs set his sights on the state Assembly’s 29th District seat and won election in 1998 for Chuck Poochigian’s former seat.

At the end of his second term following a tough budget fight between Republican Gov. Pete Wilson and the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Briggs sought office in Congress. He challenged a field stacked with Republicans for the 21st seat in the House, but Devin Nunes won the election.

Briggs attempted two political comebacks in the ensuing years — both for the city council.

Former Fresno police officer Oliver Baines in 2010 defeated him for the District 3 seat representing parts of downtown, the Tower District, and west Fresno.

In 2022, Briggs sought the District 1 seat, but failed to make it out of the primary in a race eventually won by Annalisa Perea.

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