The filing window is now open for candidates seeking office in 2026. With several seats lacking incumbents, voters will have the chance to choose new representation.

The primary election will be held June 2 for statewide and federal offices, as well as some local races.

For statewide and federal races, the top two finishers will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, regardless of political party.

In Fresno County and city races, a candidate wins outright by securing a majority of the vote. If no one reaches that threshold, the top two candidates advance to the general election.

Here is a look at who is running or considering a run in Fresno County and city races.

Possibly Two New Supervisors

Two Fresno County supervisor seats are on the ballot, and both longtime incumbents have said they will not seek re-election.

In District 1 — which includes northwest Fresno County and parts of west Fresno — Supervisor Brian Pacheco said he is running for state Assembly.

While several potential candidates have announced plans to run, only three have taken out paperwork to officially enter the race.

Felipe Perez, a Firebaugh city councilmember, and Eric Payne, a nonprofit executive and former State Center Community College District trustee, have both previously announced campaigns.

Lupe Flores, a previously unmentioned candidate, is a member of the Mendota Unified School District board.

“I know the goodness of small towns and unincorporated areas and I also know the challenges for small towns, rural and unincorporated areas,” Flores wrote on Facebook.

Other potential candidates who said they are considering a run but have not pulled papers include Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi, former Fresno City Councilmember Blong Xiong, West Hills Community College District Trustee Omar Hernandez, Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, and Kerman Councilmember Gary Yep.

In District 4 — which spans south Fresno County from west to east — Supervisor Buddy Mendes said he is not seeking re-election.

Two relatively unknown candidates have pulled papers — Selma Unified Trustee Nick Sahota and Charlie Soto.

Sahota said he wants to help farmers address water challenges and rising costs.

“I also see the need to address long-standing issues impacting underserved populations, including labor concerns in agriculture. With recent federal immigration changes, Fresno County must work proactively to support farmers and ensure a stable, legal workforce so agriculture can continue to thrive,” Sahota said.

Soto, who lives in Kingsburg, is a Navy veteran and currently works as an IRS agent. He previously ran unsuccessfully for Kingsburg City Council.

He says transportation is a top priority.

“There’s a section of Highway 41 in Fresno County that is pretty dangerous, and the simple Band-Aid fix was to go through and just put a divide on that lane. What I want to be able to do in the future in this position is expand the 41 for a bit more easy access for people come in and out of the county and be safer,” Soto said.

When asked about transportation tax Measure C, Soto said, “Do you want to fill me in on Measure C?”

Former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran already filed paperwork to raise funds.

Pacheco and Mendes were first elected in 2014.

Voters could potentially elect 18 judges. So far, 14 incumbents have filed paperwork to run for re-election. Challenges to a sitting judge are rare. If only the incumbent files, the incumbent will automatically be elected with no vote necessary.

Raj Badhesha, appointed in 2024, said he will also be filing. Gregory Fain, D. Tyler Tharpe and John Vogt have yet to file and did not respond to Politics 101’s question about their future plans.

Fresno City Council Could See Three New Members

Four city of Fresno council districts are up for election, with no incumbents in three of the races.

District 1 Councilmember Annalisa Perea is running for state Assembly. Sikh community leader and Central Unified Trustee Deep Singh has announced his candidacy. Also running are State Center Community College District Trustee and federal prosecutor Rob Fuentes, and City Hall staffer Mayra Campa, an aide to Perea.

In District 3 — which covers southwest Fresno and downtown — three candidates have pulled papers to run: Aaron Hightower, a Tower District resident; Larry Burrus, who ran in 2022 and finished second with 28% of the vote to Miguel Arias; and Charles Montoya.

The district also includes several better-known candidates who have begun raising money, including current state Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, Fresno Unified Trustee Keshia Thomas, and former West Fresno School Board Trustee Fernando Alvarez.

Brandon Vang is the only incumbent not term-limited. He plans to run for re-election in District 5 — which covers southeast Fresno — but has not yet filed. He is expected to face a challenge from State Center Community College District Trustee Danielle Parra.

District 7 in east-central Fresno is another wide-open race. The leading contenders include political consultant Nav Gurm, community organizer Ariana Martinez Lott, and businessman AJ Rassamni.

Gurm recently received a $10,000 contribution from the firefighters union. The Central Valley Progressive PAC gave $1,750 last week to Martinez Lott.

Jason Jesada Keomanee has also filed to run. He previously ran in 2022, finishing third with 11% of the vote to eventual winner Nelson Esparza. Rene Campos has also filed to run.

Mamdani Has Pearce’s Attention

Zohran Mamdani is now mayor of New York City, sworn in New Year’s Day. A line in his inauguration speech caught the attention of Clovis City Councilmember Diane Pearce.

“We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism,” Mamdani said.

Several around the nation criticized Mamdani’s rejection of what many consider an American principle, including Pearce.

“Hey Mamdani! We’ve never been so cold that we’ve longed for the faux ‘warmth of collectivism.’ Signed Proud Rugged American Individuals,” Pearce posted on Facebook.

There was no immediate indication how her post might affect future Clovis–New York City relations.