The race to succeed state Sen. Anna Caballero (D–Merced) now features two Democrats who were colleagues on the Fresno City Council for years.
Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) announced Monday that she is running for Senate in District 14, joining Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza in the race.
Driving the news: Soria was elected to the Assembly in 2022, defeating former Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin.
- She was reelected last year against Joanna Garcia Rose and will have eight years left in the California Legislature at the end of her current term when she will be up against term limits.
- Before her election to the Assembly, Soria served on the Fresno City Council from 2015-2022, overlapping with Esparza for the last four years on the council.
State of the race: Soria is Caballero’s pick to succeed her in the Senate, announcing her endorsement on Monday.
- Along with Caballero, Soria boasts endorsements from Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco, Fresno City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Annalisa Perea.
- Esparza has support from those government bodies as well, from Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Fresno City Councilmembers Tyler Maxwell and Mike Karbassi. Esparza is also supported by Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno) and Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced).
Zoom in: The 14th district covers much of western Merced and Madera counties, along with most of Merced County. It also stretches east in Fresno County to cover Sanger.
- The district holds a significant advantage for Democrats, with a voter registration edge of 42% compared to 26.8% for Republicans, according to data provided by the California Target Book.
- Despite the Democratic advantage, President Donald Trump only lost to former Vice President Kamala Harris by 4.12% in the district, per the California Target Book.
What they’re saying: “I first ran for the State Assembly, to solve the problems that have frustrated Central Valley families and small businesses for too long,” Soria said. “I’m proud of what has been accomplished, from protecting Madera Community Hospital to voting against increases on gas prices and delivering millions for affordable housing. The Central Valley is my home, and I have spent my entire career fighting for our working families, farmers, small businesses, and veterans. The State Senate is an opportunity to continue our work and do even more for the Valley.”
- Caballero added, “Esmeralda Soria is the fighter that the Central Valley needs in the Senate. In the Assembly, she’s proven that she can bring resources home, stand up for working families, and deliver real results. I know she will continue that leadership in the Senate, and I am proud to support her.”
