Another Fresno City Councilman is trying to make the jump to the county level.
Councilman Miguel Arias announced Tuesday that he is running for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors District 3 seat in the 2024 election.
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The big picture: Arias is the third candidate to enter the race for District 3, which is currently represented by Supervisor Sal Quintero.
- Along with Quintero, fellow Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez previously launched his campaign for the position.
The backstory: Arias was first elected to the Fresno City Council to represent southwest Fresno in 2018 and was reelected in 2022 for another four-year term.
- His first elected position came as a trustee in Mendota Unified School District.
- Later, Arias worked as the chief of staff to former Fresno City Councilmember Blong Xiong and in various high-level positions with Fresno Unified School District.
- From 2014-2018 Arias served on the State Center Community College Board of Trustees.
State of play: Last week Arias terminated his city council campaign account and transferred $20,793.97 to his newly formed board of supervisors campaign account.
- Notably, Arias will avoid the legal battle that Chavez and fellow councilman and current District 2 Supervisorial candidate Garry Bredefeld are dealing with regarding the $30,000 transfer limit that the county has imposed.
- As of the last count for Chavez’s city council account, he had over $110,000 at the beginning of the year that he is trying to transfer to his county campaign account.
- Quintero reported nearly $75,000 on hand at the beginning of the year.
What we’re watching: While Arias and Chavez duke it out against Quintero, the battle between the Democrats could likely spill over to the Fresno City Council given that they work together at City Hall.
- Bredefeld and Councilman Mike Karbassi have been at odds recently, following Karbassi’s endorsement of Supervisor Steve Brandau in District 2. Council President Tyler Maxwell and Council members Annalisa Perea and Nelson Esparza have all issued endorsements for Arias.
What they’re saying: In his announcement, Arias said he has spent his time in public service fighting for the people and neighborhoods of Fresno, and he is ready to bring the needs of the community to the forefront of the county.
- “I believe that we can make Fresno County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Arias said. “We need to invest in our neighborhoods, support our small businesses, and work to ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and good-paying jobs. As your County Supervisor, I will be a tireless advocate for the people of Fresno County and their neighborhoods.”
