Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea launched her campaign for the California Assembly on Wednesday.
Perea will run for Assembly District 31, which covers part of Fresno County.
The big picture: Perea is looking to succeed Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno), who has previously said that he will not run for reelection in 2026 and will instead campaign for a seat on the Fresno City Council.
- Following a stint on the State Center Community College board, Perea was elected to the Fresno City Council in 2022 to replace current Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno).
- She is also a certified city planner with an expertise in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- One of Perea’s key achievements as the City Council President last year was negotiating a new tax sharing agreement with Fresno County to jumpstart development after four years of stagnation.
Who’s backing her: Perea announced that she has the support of Soria, Sen. Anna Caballero (D–Merced), Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, Fresno City Councilmembers Mike Karbassi and Tyler Maxwell and the Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare Building and Construction Trades Council.
What we’re watching: The 31st District race appears to be shaping up as Perea v. Sandra Celedon, the progressive CEO of social justice organization Fresno Building Healthy Communities.
- Celedon appears to be the hand-picked successor for Arambula, who has already donated to her campaign.
- Retired Fresno County engineer Jim Polsgrove, a Republican, has also entered the race.
Zoom in: District 31 is a stronghold for Democrats in Fresno County, covering much of central and southern Fresno, Sanger, Fowler, Selma, Parlier and a small part of Clovis.
- Democrats hold a voter registration edge of nearly 20 points in the district, according to data from the California Target Book.
- Democratic voter registration has slipped in recent years, however, from a peak of a 24.29% advantage in 2022.
- The District supported former Vice President Kamala Harris last November by 13.01%, down from the 30.06% advantage former President Joe Biden enjoyed in 2020.
What they’re saying: “I’m running for Assembly to fight for Central Valley families and to be the effective advocate in Sacramento this district has lacked for so long,” Perea said. “In my time on the city council, I’ve seen firsthand how rising costs, violent crime, and out-of-touch politicians are hurting our working people, seniors, and our neighborhoods. In the Assembly, I will focus everyday on the kitchen table issues that matter most to the people of our region.”
- She added that the Legislature needs to be urgently focused on bringing relief to Californians.
- “From day one, Annalisa has been focused on solutions for the Central Valley,” Soria said. “She has a proven ability to bring opposing sides together to deliver real results and she will bring that same effective leadership to Sacramento.”
