A look at who’s on the ballot for 2024.
By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice
Following the Sacramento Superior Court’s decision to allow Assemblyman Vince Fong on the ballot for both the 32nd Assembly district and 20th Congressional district, the secretary of state released the final candidate list.
Several candidates from the Central Valley are vying for local and federal seats, which have a distinct impact on local agriculture.
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES
The state’s agriculture industry has a large stake in Congressional elections as these legislators are primarily responsible for drafting and approving farm bills. Local representatives have an opportunity to expand crop protection, water rights, and other valuable legislative actions to improve the lives of Central Valley farmers.
REP. 20TH DISTRICT
After former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy resigned from Congress, the 20th district seat opened, bringing in a slew of seasoned and novice politicians. Central Valley voters will choose from 11 candidates come March 5.
The finalized candidate list includes:
- Private Security Guard Andy Morales (D)
- Central Valley Assemblymember Vince Fong (R)
- Teacher Marisa Wood (D)
- Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux (R)
- Farmer and Businessman Stan Ellis (R)
- Small Business Owner David Giglio (R)
- Business Owner Kyle Kirkland (R)
- Mayor/Broker/Contractor Kelly Kulikoff (R)
- Small Business Owner Matthew Stoll (R)
- Board Director and Scientist Ben Dewell (No Preference)
- Businessman T.J. Esposito (No Preference)
REP. 21ST DISTRICT
For voters in the 21st Congressional District — which includes parts of Fresno and Tulare counties — options are limited to the incumbent and an opposer.
- Incumbent and Farmer Jim Costa (D)
- Valley Business Owner Michael Maher (R)
REP. 22ND DISTRICT
Senator Melissa Hurtado will challenge current representative David Valadao and two others for the 22nd seat, covering parts of Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties. Each candidate has a unique connection to agriculture, ranging from direct involvement in the industry to policy influence.
Candidates include:
- Incumbent/Congressman David Valadao (R)
- Senator Melissa Hurtado (D)
- College Teacher and Former Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D)
- Cattle Rancher and Businessman Chris Mathys (R)
ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES
California assembly members have a unique opportunity to advocate for agricultural initiatives and push bills toward the governor’s desk. Committee members of the California State Assembly on Agriculture also have the ability to investigate and study any bills relating to agriculture, chemicals, commodities, and commissions.
DISTRICT 31
There are two candidates for the 31st Assembly district, encompassing a large portion of Fresno County.
Candidates:
- Assemblymember and Doctor Joaquin Arambula (D)
- Student Solomon Verduzco (R)
DISTRICT 32
The current incumbent for the 32nd Assembly seat, Vince Fong, is unopposed.
DISTRICT 33
Following Assemblymember Devon Mathis’ decision not to seek re-election for his final term, five candidates are running for the 33rd Assembly district, which includes Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties.
- Mayor of Lindsay Hipolito A. Cerros (D)
- Education Board Trustee Ruben Macareno (D)
- Labor Organizer Angel Ruiz (D)
- Dairyman and Healthcare Official Xavier Avila (R)
- Small Business Owner Alexandra Macedo (R)
DISTRICT 34
Assemblyman Tom Lackey is running for reelection in the 34th district which includes areas of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernadino Counties.
Candidates:
- Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R)
- Los Angeles County Commissioner Ricardo Ortega (D)
DISTRICT 35
The 35th Assembly district encompasses Kern County and has been held by Jasmeet Baines since 2022.
Candidates:
- Assemblywoman and Family Doctor Jasmeet Baines (D)
- Electrical Technician and Businessman Robert Rosas (R)
KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Local county supervisors also significantly impact local agriculture by overseeing certain programs and annually approving a budget for the Agriculture and Measurement Standards. The Kern County Board of Supervisors plays an important role in agriculture and farming practices and has the authority to appoint the agricultural commissioner.
FIRST DISTRICT
- Incumbent Philip Peters
- Kern Board of Education Trustee Mary Little
- Farmer David Fluhart
FOURTH DISTRICT
- Incumbent David Couch
- Delano City Council Member Veronica Cruz Vasquez
- Delano Vice Mayor Salvador Solorio-Ruiz
- Wasco Vice Mayor Alex Garcia
FIFTH DISTRICT
- Incumbent Leticia Perez
- District Director for 35th Assembly Kimberly Salas
- Darren Amos
- David Abbasi
