Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez announced Wednesday that he will run for Fresno County Supervisor next year.
Chavez will run for District 3, which is currently occupied by Sal Quintero.
Driving the news: Chavez’s venture to move over to the county side of politics would be the next step in a lengthy local political career. He served on the Fresno Unified School District Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2016 before being elected to represent southwest Fresno on the city council, which he has served on since 2017.
- He was reelected in 2022 for his final term at Fresno City Hall, which is set to expire in 2027, meaning the council could be in position to find an early replacement for Chavez if he makes the jump to Supervisor.
What we’re watching: Quintero, a fellow Democrat and former councilman himself, has not announced if he intends to run for reelection for the supervisorial seat he has held since 2017.
- Regardless, the primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2024, and Chavez could secure a victory with a majority vote and avoid a runoff in the general election.
What they’re saying: “After much deliberation with my family and members of the community across central and south Fresno, I believe we deserve a strong, responsive advocate on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors,” Chavez said in his announcement. “That is why I am excited to launch my campaign for Supervisor in the Third District.”
- Chavez said he is committed to bring higher paying jobs to the community, improving neighborhoods with clean streets and safe parks and to deliver a collaborative and comprehensive solution to the homelessness crisis.
- He also stressed the importance of working to modernize the county health department in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- “Our community was hit hardest by the pandemic, that’s why it’s important that our Supervisor possess the relationships, drive, and energy to help bounce back as quickly as possible,” Chavez said. “I will ensure our public health department is modernized and better capable of serving the most vulnerable during health emergencies.”
