Democratic candidates met in San Francisco over the weekend to stump for party support at the California Democratic Convention.
The California Democratic Party handed out its endorsements, notably split on gubernatorial candidates and one of the Central Valley’s most intriguing Congressional races.
Congressional endorsements: Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D–Delano) closed out the convention touting the support of delegates in her face-off against progressive Visalia Unified School District Trustee Randy Villegas.
- Bains and Villegas are vying to take out Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) in the 22nd district.
- Bains posted on X that she received 56% of the vote from the district’s delegates. “Thank you delegates for your incredible support and confidence in our campaign,” Bains wrote. “I am so honored to receive the support of a majority of my fellow CA 22 delegates to be your next Congresswoman for CA22!!!!”
- The only problem? Bains did not receive an official endorsement from the party, falling short of the 60% threshold required for an endorsement in the 2026 primary. Instead, the California Democratic Party reported that it did not come to a consensus in the 22nd district.
- Michael Masuda earned the endorsement for Congressional District 5, represented by Rep. Tom McClintock (R–Elk Grove). That endorsement came over several other candidates, including 2024 challenger Mike Barkley.
- Democrats did not reach a consensus in District 20, where three Democrats are running against Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield).
- Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno), Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) and Rep. Josh Harder (D–Tracy) all earned endorsements for their reelection bids.
State Legislature: Fresno City Councilwoman Annalisa Perea took home the endorsement for the 31st Assembly District over Fresno Building Healthy Communities CEO Sandra Celedon. That comes as a blow for Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno), who hand-picked Celedon to be his successor.
- The party endorsed Bakersfield City Councilman Andrae Gonzales in the 35th Assembly District and Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco in 27th District.
- In the State Senate races, the Democratic Party chose Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) over Sanger City Councilwoman Esmeralda Hurtado for the 14th district. The party also endorsed Tuolumne County Supervisor Jaron Brandon in the 4th district.
Statewide races: The California Democratic Party did not choose a favorite in the crowded field for governor, although Rep. Eric Swalwell (D–Castro Valley) received 23% of the vote, followed by former State Controller at 17%.
- The party also was not able to come to a consensus for Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner.
- The party endorsed the incumbents for Secretary of State (Shirly Weber), Attorney General (Rob Bonta) and Controller (Malia Cohen).
- Fresno City Councilman Nelson Esparza got the nod for Board of Equalization District 1.
