Long-time Fresno County Supervisor Ernest “Buddy” Mendes announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2026, and endorsed former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims for the District 4 seat.

Mendes’ announcement  and endorsement of Mims — long rumored in local political circles — came even though Mendes had filed this year to run for his fourth term on the board in 2026.

Mendes said he will serve out of the remainder of his term.

Mims, whose conservative politics largely mirror those of Mendes, will join State Center Community College District Trustee Danielle Para of Fowler and Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran in the District 4 contest. The district is in the southern portion of the county and includes Selma, Reedley, and Coalinga.

“She knows this county,” Mendes said of Mims.

The supervisor said he is exiting politics “to spend more time with my family” because every day as a supervisor “is a 12-hour day.”

Added Mendes, “I think I’ve been a very effective supervisor. I’ve been able to get a lot of things done, but in the long run, I have a life to live.”

Knowing that Mims was interested in running for the seat factored into his decision not to seek reelection, Mendes said.

Also running for Fresno County District 4 supervisor are State Center Community College District Trustee Danielle Parra and Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran.

Parra thanked Mendes for his service.

“I thank Supervisor Mendes for his years of dedicated service to Fresno County,” Parra told GV Wire. “It seems more and more certain that District 4 will be represented by a strong female in the future, that is something we can all be proud of and excited about.”

Public Safety, Roads Top Priority for Fresno County: Mims

Mendes said he endorsed Mims because of the learning curve at the county.

“It’s about knowledge. She’s been around the county for 16 years,” Mendes said. “She really knows most of the subjects even outside public safety.”

Mims said she’s gotten offers for state and federal positions, but she gets the most satisfaction out of local public service.

She said public safety and roads are the biggest issues for Fresno County.

“Having a business, having a family, having safe schools is a real cornerstone,” Mims said.

While ‘Direct,’ Mendes Was Also ‘Compassionate’: Nerland

Raised on his family farm in Riverdale, Mendes still farms there, growing mostly cotton. He took over his family farm in 1991. At the State of the County event on Sept. 30, County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland called Mendes the “foremost expert on water in the state.”

Mendes at supervisor meetings often is passionate about county water issues affecting agriculture and residents.

While Nerland said Mendes could be “direct” and that he may curse from time-to-time — for, example, Mendes referred to Sacramento politicians at a meeting as suffering from “rectal-cranial inversion” — Nerland said Mendes was a “compassionate” leader.

Mendes has also been a strong advocate for the county’s behavioral health department.

Mendes Served on Several Boards

Mendes has also been a member of several boards and community groups. Before becoming supervisor, he was a trustee with the Riverdale Unified School District. He is a member of the West Island Cotton Growers, the Riverdale Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions Club.

In 2011, he served on the 2011 Redistricting Task Force for Fresno County.

Mendes also serves as chairman of the Fresno County Transportation Authority, the body that oversees distribution of Measure C transportation tax money.

Mendes and his wife of 37 years, Leslie, have three children, Darryl, Adam, and John, and three grandchildren.

Mims Served Four Terms as Sheriff

Mims was first elected in sheriff 2006 and served four terms. Her long law enforcement career saw her break many glass ceilings in Fresno County, including being the first woman in the department to rise to the roles of supervising sergeant, first lieutenant, captain, assistant sheriff, and eventually, elected sheriff.

“Sixteen years as sheriff, it’s plenty. It’s enough,” Mims said when announcing in February 2022 that she wouldn’t seek a fifth term.