Politics is filled with all sorts of promises and claims. In the middle of it all, endorsements matter. They’re real, tangible markers of trust. And you don’t get trust just by asking; you earn it.
When David Tangipa came to me looking for an endorsement for the Assembly District 8 seat I’m retiring from, I didn’t just hand it over. Instead, I told him straight: use the trust you’ve built in our community. Talk to the leaders in Fresno and Clovis. If they trust you, I’ll think about it.
David didn’t skip a beat.
He’s been in the trenches with our community for years, and he tapped into the trust he’s been building. He went out, talked to folks, and the endorsements started rolling in. And not just any endorsements; real ones, from leaders who know what our community needs.
But trust isn’t just about who you know; it’s about what you’ve done. David’s been out there, doing the work. He teamed up with Shannon Grove on SB 14 and his time as a field representative for Nathan Magsig gave him a firsthand look at what we face in our community, what we care about, and where we’re heading.
So, after all this, I sat him down for what I call the “Patterson Test.” And let me tell you, David knew his stuff. Every issue, every concern, he was right there with me. He’s been in the thick of it, and it shows. I couldn’t throw him a curveball.
Endorsing David Tangipa isn’t just about picking a side. It’s about recognizing someone who’s been in the fight, who knows the ropes, and is ready to step up on day one. So here it is, plain and simple: David Tangipa’s got my endorsement. He’s proven that he’s the choice for our community’s future. I ask you all to join me in voting for David Tangipa for Assembly.