Republicans are lining up behind a new challenger to Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D–Bakersfield).
Bakersfield small businessman Guillermo Gonzalez recently launched his campaign for 16th Senate District and has since picked up a number of endorsements from the GOP.
Driving the news: Gonzalez was born in Bakersfield and raised in Mexico, returning as a teenager to the United States to graduate from Bakersfield High School.
- Gonzalez currently works for Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) as a field representative and also helps run his family’s restaurant Idle Spur Cafe in McFarland and his own restaurant, Guillermo’s Steakhouse, in Delano.
What they’re saying: “The Central Valley gave my family hope, opportunity, and the chance to build a better future,” Gonzalez said. “That’s what the American Dream is supposed to be, but now that promise is in danger. I’m running for State Senate to serve the community, protect our values and way of life, give back to the Valley that gave me everything, and make sure its best days are still ahead.”
- He boasts endorsements from Valadao, Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield), Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) and Asm. Stan Ellis (R–Bakersfield).
- “Families across the Central Valley are being squeezed by higher prices, fewer opportunities, and out-of-touch Sacramento policies that make it harder for working people to get ahead,” Valadao said. “Guillermo Gonzalez has deep roots in our community and personally understands that struggle because he’s lived it. His personal story reflects the American Dream, and I know he’ll fight alongside me to restore that promise, lift Valley families up, and bring real hope and opportunity back to the Central Valley.
- Fong said Gonzalez will stand up for the Central Valley’s water rights, will protect energy resources and push back against new taxes and reckless government spending.
- Grove said in her endorsement that Gonzalez understands the values and priorities of Central Valley communities and families.
- “Guillermo Gonzalez is the leader we need to continue that fight against Sacramento to defend and be a strong voice for our students, our small businesses, our veterans, and our agriculture and water interests, and I’m proud to endorse his candidacy,” Grove said.
State of the race: Hurtado had been running for reelection unopposed in the 16th District up until this point.
- She narrowly won reelection to the Senate four years ago, defeating Republican David Shepard by 22 votes.
- District 16 spans from Fresno County to Kern County, covering all of Kings County and part of Tulare County. It includes all of Corcoran, Delano, Dinuba, Hanford, Kingsburg Lemoore and Porterville,a s well as parts of Bakersfield, Tulare and Visalia.
- Democrats hold an eight-point lead in voter registration, according to data from the California Target Book.
- Despite the advantage for Democrats, President Trump won the district by nearly nine points in 2024, while Republican Senate Candidate Steve Garvey beat Sen. Adam Schiff by over 9 points.
