Coming from a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Alexandra Macedo is running for Assembly District 33, hoping to take over from Asm. Devon Mathis (R–Visalia) when he retires at the end of his term.
Macedo spoke with The Sun for political podcast series, The Stump, airing on Sunrise FM.
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The big picture: Macedo’s family founded livestock market Tulare Sales Yard in 1939, leading to her continued involvement in agriculture four generations later.
- The Tulare native got her start with Macedo Engineering & Consulting, providing support for dairy and crop farmers.
- That led her to attend law school and start her own firm, Macedo Environmental Consulting, where she offers environmental compliance assistance and consulting.
- Through her work, Macedo has worked with various agencies such as the State Water Resource Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the Tulare County Resource Management Agency, along with various other advisory boards and committees regarding agriculture.
What they’re saying: Macedo said the state needs to build more water storage, calling back to the major storms at the start of last year that California ultimately did not capitalize on.
- “On top of the water issue is the increasing number of rules and regulations that are being imposed on small family farms, and big farms too – but it’s not necessarily scalable,” Macedo said. “So we’re seeing this exodus of these farms that have been in families for generations at a time, and it’s devastating. I know that legacy is huge for me, so these families that are being forced to face the decision of can we continue to do this is just heartbreaking.”
- Navigating as a Republican in the Legislature that has a Democratic supermajority is a challenge that she’s up to.
- “I’m a Christian first, I’m an American second, and I’m a Republican third,” Macedo said. “And that’s how I will always conduct myself, but using an educated, strategic and logical voice on that Assembly floor, I really do believe we can start a lot of conversations that can create positive impacts for my party.”
