Madera County Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez announced Tuesday that she is running for the Assembly.
Gonzalez is running in Assembly District 27, which Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) is leaving to run for State Senate.
Driving the news: Gonzalez was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2020 and was reelected last year as she ran unopposed.
- Before she was elected to the board, Gonzalez served as the chief of staff to former Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez.
- She also worked at the Madera County Department of Social Services and as a Victims Advocate at the Victim Services Center.
Endorsements come in: Gonzalez enters the race with the backing of the Democratic establishment.
- She is Soria’s hand-picked successor for the seat, boasting Soria’s endorsement as well as the support from Sen. Anna Caballero.
- Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D–Hollister) have also endorsed Gonzalez.
State of the race: Two other candidates have already launched campaigns for the seat: former Merced Mayor Mike Murphy and Merced City School District Board President Priya Lakireddy.
- Democrats hold a 10.98% advantage in voter registration, according to data provided by the California Target Book.
- The 27th district consists of parts of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.
What they’re saying: “I’m running for Assembly to keep fighting for the things every Valley family deserves: clean and plentiful water for our residents and farmers, safe neighborhoods, access to housing and healthcare and the opportunity to get ahead,” Gonzalez said. “I want to bring people to the table, listen, and build practical solutions that deliver. That’s how we’ve protected taxpayers, strengthened public safety, and kept water decisions local. I’ll take that same work ethic to the Assembly on day one.”
- Rivas said Gonzalez has the right combination of values and experience to effectively serve the district.
- “Her principled leadership as a County Supervisor delivers for Madera residents, and as the daughter of a farmworker and IHSS caregiver, I know she has the resiliency and work ethic needed to get things done in Sacramento,” Rivas said. “I’m proud to endorse her.”
- Soria called Gonzalez a proven leader who shares the values of the Central Valley and delivers for local communities.
- “When Madera Community Hospital closed its doors, Leticia rolled up her sleeves and helped lead the effort to bring it back,” Soria said. “That’s the kind of steady, people-first leadership we need in the Assembly. I trust Lety to be a strong and effective voice for the Central Valley.”
