Mike Karbassi is stepping down as Fresno City Council president Monday at noon but will remain a councilmember, he told GV Wire.

Karbassi is running for Fresno County supervisor in District 1. His city council term runs through January 2029. After this story first published, Karbassi confirmed his reason for stepping down.

“I’m excited to devote my full attention to campaigning for a better Fresno County and continue fighting for Fresno residents while representing Fresno City Council District 2,” he said.

In an email earlier in the day to city council colleagues, Karbassi said, “It has been a tremendous honor to have your trust in leading the Fresno City Council for two consecutive years. I have been grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you to move Fresno forward.”

He is endorsing Vice President Nelson Esparza to succeed him.

Five other candidates are vying for the northwest Fresno County supervisor seat: Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco; nonprofit executive Eric Payne; West Hills Community College District Trustee Omar Hernandez; Mendota Unified Trustee Lupe Flores; and Firebaugh City Councilmember Felipe Perez. Incumbent Brian Pacheco is not seeking re-election and is running for state Assembly in the June 2 primary.

Karbassi was unanimously elected to a second term as council president in January, becoming the first councilmember in more than 20 years to serve consecutive terms under newly revised council rules. The president helps set the agenda and presides over meetings. Under the new rules, the vice president does not automatically succeed the president; councilmembers must be elected to the post and have served at least one year immediately prior.

The next council meeting is scheduled for March 19.

Read Karbassi’s Email

The following is the email Karbassi sent to his city council colleagues.

Dear Colleague,

It has been a tremendous honor to have your trust in leading the Fresno City Council for two consecutive years.  I have been grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you to move Fresno forward.

Together, we bridged the divide with the County of Fresno to reduce the cost of living and expand the housing stock for Fresnans.

Effective Monday, March 16th at noon, my term will end. While this transition marks the end of my time as Council President, my commitment to the City of Fresno and our constituents remains unchanged.

I’m proud to support Council Vice President Nelson Esparza to take the gavel and hope you will join me in supporting him to step into the leadership.

We face big challenges this year, beginning with our budget.

I will continue to focus my efforts on expanding our tax base, fighting for affordable housing for all Fresnans, and maintaining the level of public safety protection and essential services that our residents have come to expect.

I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our neighborhoods, support local businesses, and ensure Fresno remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to our city.

In Service,

Mike Karbassi