Candidates are lining up to replace Brian Pacheco on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
Pacheco launched his own campaign for the California Assembly, opening the northwest Fresno County seat on the board.
Who’s running: Three candidates have already announced their intentions to run for the District 1 board seat.
- The candidates, so far, are West Hills Community College Board Trustee Omar Hernandez, Fresno City Councilman Mike Karbassi and Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco.
Zoom in: Karbassi has served on the Fresno City Council since 2019, representing northwest Fresno. He previously filed to run for Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters before switching to the supervisorial race in the wake of Brian Pacheco’s announcement.
- Hernandez is a new member to the West Hills Community College District Board, having been on the job for one year at this point. He also works as a Field Representative for Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced).
- Maria Pacheco was elected as the Mayor of Kerman in 2022 and also works for Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno).
What we’re watching: GV Wire previously reported that former State Center Community College District trustee Eric Payne and Kerman City Councilman Gary Yep are also considering the race.
What they’re saying: “I want to thank Supervisor Pacheco for his years of service and dedication to the communities of Fresno County,” Hernandez said. “As someone who grew up in these communities, I understand the challenges we face, and I’m committed to bringing people together to tackle them. My unique background in agriculture, local government and public services has prepared me to be a leader who listens, connects and acts on behalf of all residents of District 1.”
- Karbassi said he is running to continue Brian Pacheco’s legacy by advancing practical solutions and securing essential resources for residents in the district.
- “District 1 is a vital agricultural hub that produces food and fiber not only for our country, but for our region, our state, our nation and communities around the world,” Karbassi said. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work delivering results for those that deliver for all of us.”
- Maria Pacheco said she is running to deliver families in the west side a seat at every table where decisions about their futures are being made.
- “As Mayor of Kerman, I have shown what is possible when leadership is focused on results,” she said. “Now I’m ready to bring that problem-solving approach county-wide by running to be County Supervisor.”
