Fresno City Councilman Nelson Esparza announced Thursday that he is running for the California Board of Equalization.
The two-term councilman once again has his eyes on a state-level office after previously suspending his campaign for State Senate.
Driving the news: Esparza was elected to the Fresno City Council in 2018 and won his reelection bid in 2022, meaning he will be termed out of office in January of next year.
- He launched a campaign for Senate District 14 in August 2024, with Sen. Anna Caballero (D–Merced) set to be termed out of the Legislature.
- But last year his former council colleague Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) jumped into the District 14 race with Caballero’s endorsement. Esparza later dropped out of the race.
Flashback: Esparza previously filed to run for the Board of Equalization in 2022 before switching to the Senate race.
- Following his exit from the Senate race, Esparza announced that he would run for the State Center Community College District board.
State of the race: The Board of Equalization oversees California’s property tax system, the alcoholic beverage tax and tax on insurers.
- Esparza is running in District 1, which is represented by Republican Ted Gaines, who is up against term limits.
- Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) already launched her own campaign for the position.
What they’re saying: “With continued threats and unstable funding from the federal government, it’s clear that California must take matters into its own hands wherever possible. That’s why I’m running for the California Board of Equalization,” Esparza said.
- He continued, “The BOE has a unique and fundamental role in ensuring that our tax dollars are collected fairly, that everyone plays by the same rules, that everyone pays their fair share and that our tax dollars are protected. This job, this office, ensures that California has the resources to fund public schools, healthcare, public safety and emergency response, public transit, infrastructure like roads and bridges, and so much more.”
- Esparza also announced that he has the support of Soria, Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno), Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) and others.
- “I have confidence that Nelson Esparza will represent our Valley well and I am proud to endorse him for Board of Equalization,” Costa said.
- Gray added, “Nelson is tough and experienced. He understands the challenges faced by working families and will work hard for us. I am proud to endorse Nelson Esparza for Board of Equalization.”
