The 2024 General Election is here, and we’ve got your back! Our voter guide breaks down candidates and propositions, giving you everything you need on one easy-to-navigate page. It's designed with YOU in mind, focusing on the issues that matter locally. We couldn’t cover every local race in Fresno County, but if you’ve got questions, just shoot us message—we’re here to help!
Howdy! We just wanted to point out the following (D)=Democrat and (R) = Republican. Good luck!
Nonpartisan elections are those where candidates appear on the ballot without any party labels, so voters don’t see which political party, if any, they’re affiliated with or nominated by. But hey we all know some of these candidates lean left, right, or maybe even do a little political cha-cha. 🕺💃 😝
Steve Garvey (R): "Steve’s campaign is focused on quality-of-life issues, public safety, and education. As your U.S. Senator, Steve will serve with commonsense, compassion, and will work to build consensus to benefit all of the people of California."-Garvey's campaign website
Steve Garvey: Website and Instagram
Adam B. Schiff (D): Adam Schiff is a proven leader who has earned the trust of Californians by taking on the toughest challenges facing our state and nation. From fighting for affordable housing and ending homelessness, to defending our democracy, to lowering health care costs for working families, to leading efforts to protect our planet – Adam has delivered real progress for Californians."-Schiff's campaign website
Adam B. Schiff: Website and Instagram
Did you know?
🏛️ Each state has 2 senators, but places like Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam don’t get any Senate seats. 🇺🇸 Senators serve for 6 years, and there's no limit on how many times they can be re-elected. 🗳️ They vote on everything from bills to treaties, using roll call votes, voice votes, and unanimous consent.
Mike Barkley (D): "Mike Barkley has no consultants and no paid staff. He’s received $1,091 in campaign contributions. His centerpiece issue, as a Democrat running in a new congressional district drawn for a Republican, is a call for repealing the right to bear arms."-Sacramento Bee
Mike Barkley: Facebook and Website
Tom McClintock (R): "The conservative leader who never stops fighting for us."-McClintock's campaign website. McClintock has endorsed Trump for president.
Tom McClintock: Website and Facebook.
Jim Costa (D): "For decades, I’ve fought for immigrants’ rights, from protecting our DREAMers, stopping family separations, and creating a path to citizenship. Working together, we can ensure a strong future for everyone who calls our Valley home."-Jim Costa's Campaign Website
Jim Costa: Website and Instagram
Mike Maher (R): "The biggest problem we face is inflation. The price of everything – from food to gas to clothing – has skyrocketed and Congress has made the problem worse by spending too much and refusing to balance the budget."-Mike Maher's Campaign Website
Mike Maher : Website and Instagram
John Duarte (R): "Rising violence and crime are making our kids less safe. Now, gated-community career politicians even want to ‘Defund the Police.’ No way. I’ll put your safety first. I’ll fight against the ‘Defund the Police’ crowd. I’ll work hard to make sure our kids are safe in our schools and public spaces. And I’ll make sure our homeless get the help they need."-John Duarte campaign's website
John Duarte: Website and Instagram
Adam Gray (D): "In the State Legislature, Adam championed bipartisan commonsense solutions. He was elected by his colleagues to lead the New Democratic Caucus. He also founded the California Problem Solvers Caucus which brings Democrats, Republicans, and independents together to address California’s most critical issues including homelessness, the pandemic, and drought."-Adam Gray's website
Adam Gray: Website and Instagram.
Did you know?
🏛️ Every congressional district elects a representative for a 2-year term. 🗳️ Reps introduce bills, propose changes, and serve on committees to make sure your voice is heard. Plus, Congress has the power to raise taxes and allocate funds to support the country. 💸 Through federal grants, they can also help local governments—but only if they meet certain conditions set by Congress. And sometimes, preemption laws limit what state and local governments can do.
Esmeralda Soria (D): “I’m sick of politicians failing to keep us safe. I invested $2 billion in police, fire protection, and emergency response – but my opponent let sex offenders and criminals go free on our streets. That’s wrong. I’ll always fight to keep our families and communities safe.”-Esmeralda Soria
Esmeralda Soria: Website and Instagram.
Joanna Garcia Rose (R): "...watching my husband’s retail business struggle through challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic made me realize something was wrong with California. I became increasingly concerned about our state’s direction, discovering that the politicians in Sacramento were a big part of the problem. That’s when I decided to run for State Assembly, determined to be a part of a new generation of Californians willing to start working to turn our state around."-Joanna Garcia Rose
Joanna Garcia Rose: Website and Facebook.
Joaquin Arambula (D): "Assemblymember Arambula has worked diligently to address the critical shortage of doctors and medical providers in the Central Valley; to expand workforce development programs and opportunities; and to support veterans and service members."-from Assemblymember, District 31 website
Joaquin Arambula (D): Website and Facebook.
Solomon Verduzco (R): "I’m Solomon Verduzco, and I’m running for State Assembly to bring real solutions back to California. Together, we can restore the California Dream by making our state affordable, livable, and prosperous for everyone.” -Solomon Verduzco
Solomon Verduzco (R): Website and Facebook.
Did you know?
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature, working alongside the State Senate and the governor to make laws and set the state budget. 🏛️ They pass bills, set tax levels, and can even vote to override the governor's veto. 🗳️ The Assembly meets at the state capitol in Sacramento.
Don't know who your CA rep is? Check out the link below.
Nasreen Michelle Johnson: "Working in the agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, and non-profit industries, I have a strong pulse on the employment needs of our community. I am continually assessing the types of jobs available in the community and that the programs and classes offered by the district not only fit, but complement our ever-changing world."-SCCCD Trustee Nasreen Johnson
Nasreen Michelle Johnson: Website and Instagram.
Pablo Villagrana: "Pablo has served on the City of Fresno's Capital Projects Oversight Board, where he played a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in municipal projects. He currently serves on the Fresno Unified School District Bond Oversight Committee, where he continues to champion education and opportunities for youth in Fresno."-Villagrana's campaign website
Pablo Villagrana: Website and Instagram.
Did you know?
The State Center Community College District (SCCCD) includes four community colleges and two educational centers: Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College, Madera Community College at Oakhurst, and the Career and Technology Center. 🌟 Covering over 5,500 square miles, SCCCD serves around 1.7 million people across Fresno, Madera, and parts of Kings and Tulare counties. 📍 With more than 13,100 students, SCCCD offers everything from basic skills development to associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer programs. 🎓 Governed by a seven-member board of trustees, the total district enrollment in 2019-20 was over 69,000 students!
Steve Brandau (Nonpartisan): "Steve was elected as District 2 Supervisor on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors following a special election to fill its vacancy in April 2019 and re-elected to a full term in 2020, where he remains committed to supporting and growing our business community and providing the services that North Fresno County residents expect from their County Government." -from Brandau's website.
Steve Brandau: Website and Facebook.
Garry Bredefeld (Nonpartisan): "Garry has always demonstrated very strong and principled leadership and this has been even more evident over the past 6 years as he has publicly fought and spoken out against radical policies and corruption at City Hall. During the pandemic, he fought against the lockdowns, shutting of churches and businesses, and school closures." -Bredefeld campaign website
Garry Bredefeld: Website and X (formerly know as Twitter)
Sal Quintero (Nonpartisan): "As your County Supervisor, I am committed to making our community safer, cleaner and more prosperous. Known as the “King of Code Enforcement” by the Fresno Bee, I’m proud of the work being done to remove inoperable vehicles, clean up trash and repairing miles of alleys, streets, curbs and sidewalks."-Sal Quintero.
Sal Quintero: Website and Facebook.
Luis Chavez (Nonpartisan): "As a Fresno City Councilmember, Luis has led significant initiatives that have brought tangible improvements to the community. From building health clinics to creating senior centers, his efforts have consistently delivered positive outcomes for Fresno residents."-Luiz Chavez's campaign website
Luis Chavez: Website and Instagram.
Did you know?
The County of Fresno government operates under the California Constitution, state laws, and the County Charter. 📜 It provides essential services like elections, law enforcement, voter registration, public health, tax collection, and more. 🏛️ The Board of Supervisors is the main legislative and policy-making body, handling everything from land use to environmental issues. In Fresno County, five supervisors are elected by district for four-year terms, and they even have the power to appoint or remove department heads. You can learn more about reading our explainer, "The Fresno County Board of Supervisors (BOS)."
Nick Richardson (Nonpartisan): "There’s no requirement to identify with a particular political party in this race to fill a vacated city council seat. That being said, I have been a Republican as long as I’ve been a registered voter, and I own that. As much as I look forward to bringing some balance and bipartisanship to the City Council, I am also taking this opportunity to restore the good name of a Republican Party that has lost its way on many levels nationwide."-Nick Richardson
Interesting fact: According LGBTQ Fresno, Fresno County GOP rescinded their endorsement of Nick Richardson after he completed an LGBTQ Fresno's candidate survey.
Nick Richardson: Website and Instagram.
Roger Bonakdar (Nonpartisan): "On the City Council, I will fight for safer neighborhoods, solve our city’s homelessness crisis, build a more vibrant Fresno economy, and deliver northeast Fresno’s fair share of resources."-Roger Bonakdar
Roger Bonakdar: Website and Instagram.
Did you know?
🏛️ The Fresno City Council is the city's primary legislative body. It is responsible for approving and adopting the city budget, levying taxes, and making or amending city laws, policies, and ordinances. The Fresno City Council has seven members. Each member is elected by one of the city's seven districts. You can learn more by reading our Fresno City Council -Local Gov't Series Part 1 and Part 2.
Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas (Nonpartisan): "Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas is a member of the Fresno Unified Board of Education in California, representing Trustee Area 2. She assumed office in 2016. Her current term ends on December 13, 2024. Jonasson-Rosas is running for re-election to the Fresno Unified Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 2 in California. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024."-Ballotpedia
Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas: Facebook.
Joseph Aquino (Nonpartisan): "Joseph Aquino was born and raised in Fresno, where he attended Fresno Unified School District for his entire K-12 education. During his time in high school, Joseph had the honor of serving as a Student Board Member on Fresno Unified's Board of Education in 2022, representing over 70,000 students in FUSD. After graduating, Joseph continued his commitment to education by working with the Foundation for Fresno Unified School. There, he played a pivotal role in co-collaborating on district mental health initiatives to support the well-being of students, increasing scholarship awareness, and organizing student success events."-Joseph Aquino's campaign website
Interesting fact: Joseph is the youngest candidate, 19 years old, on the Fresno County 2024 ballot.
Joseph Aquino: Website and Instagram.
Andy Levine (Nonpartisan): "Since 2022, it has been my honor to serve as your Trustee on the Fresno Unified School Board, and I’m more committed than ever to continue serving our Fresno High region and all Fresno Unified families. My priority is to ensure that all students are extended the same learning opportunities I had as a student in Fresno Unified."-Andy Levine
Andy Levine: Website and Facebook.
James Martinez (Nonpartisan): "For years, James has dedicated himself to serving some of Fresno County's most vulnerable schools and student populations. Despite budget cuts and a global pandemic, he has consistently found solutions to challenging and difficult problems facing school districts and students throughout Fresno County. Now, James is ready to bring that same leadership to Fresno Unified and deliver for its students."-James Martinez
James Martinez: Website and Instagram.
Emma Villa (Nonpartisan): "Villa’s teaching career began inside a kindergarten classroom in the rural Tulare County community of Earlimart more than 20 years ago. Since then, Villa has served as an adult school teacher and school administrator. She launched an education consulting company to help children with special needs. She’s an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, where she helps families call for the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities."-Fresno Bee
Emma Villa: Facebook.
Claudia Cazares (Nonpartisan): "Our District deserves a Trustee who can hold our staff and community accountable for the educational well-being and continued achievement of ALL children; a Trustee who has proven she can deliver on her pledge to be transparent in her decision making while always prioritizing our students; and a Mother who will advocate for all Children District-Wide, as if they are her OWN."-Claudia Cazares' campaign website
Claudia Cazares: Website and Facebook.
Daniel Bordona (Nonpartisan): "One of Dan’s key priorities is to ensure that schools provide safe and healthy learning environments. He understands that students need to feel secure and supported in order to succeed academically and personally. Dan is also a strong advocate for removing politics from education, believing that decisions about our schools should be made by those who are closest to the students—our local community members."-Daniel Bordona's campaign website
Daniel Bordona: Website and Facebook.
We couldn't find any endorsements for Area 6 candidates.
Did you know?
Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) serves over 70,000 students across 100+ schools, making it the third largest school district in California. 🏫 With a student body that speaks around 100 languages and dialects, FUSD is incredibly diverse. The district is overseen by an elected Board of Education that sets policies, procedures, and the annual budget. 📋 School board elections are super important but often get overlooked. Make your vote count! 🗳️ Want to learn more? Watch our explainer video.
Prop 2: Borrow $10 billion to build schools, colleges
This bond would let the state borrow $8.5 billion to upgrade K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community college improvements. Basically, it's about building and modernizing schools for the future. 🏫✨
A "yes" vote supports issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund construction and modernization of public education facilities.
A "no" vote opposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund construction and modernization of public education facilities.
Prop 3: Repeal Proposition 8 and establish a right to marry
This amendment would finally erase Prop 8 (2008) from the books, which defined marriage in California as only between a man and a woman. Instead, it would add new language to the state constitution, officially recognizing the right to marry as part of everyone's right to life, liberty, happiness, and privacy. ✨📜 It's a step toward equality and justice for all. 🌈
A "yes" vote supports this constitutional amendment to: repeal Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and declare that a "right to marry is a fundamental right" in the California Constitution.
A "no" vote opposes this constitutional amendment, thus keeping Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, in the California Constitution.
Prop 4: Borrow $10 billion to respond to climate change
Proposition 4 is all about investing in communities! 🏘️ It would require 40% of bond funds to go toward projects that benefit low-income areas or those affected by environmental changes and disasters. 🌱🌪️ Plus, it calls for full transparency—the Natural Resources Agency would have to post a detailed list of all programs and projects online, including their location, goals, cost, and funding sources. The cost of these reports would be covered by the bond funds.
A "yes" vote supports issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.
A "no" vote opposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.
PROP 5: Lower voter approval requirements for local housing and infrastructure
This amendment would make it easier for local governments to pass bond measures for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects. 🏠🚧 Right now, these measures need a two-thirds (66.67%) supermajority vote to pass, but the amendment would lower that requirement to 55%. If it gets approved, this change would apply to local bond measures on the November 5, 2024 ballot. 📅 Plus, local governments would need to do annual audits to make sure the money is being spent as planned until all the funds are used up. 💸✔️
A "yes" vote supports lowering the vote threshold from two-thirds (66.67%) to 55% for local bond measures to fund housing projects and public infrastructure.
A "no" vote opposes lowering the vote threshold from two-thirds (66.67%) to 55% for local bond measures to fund housing projects and public infrastructure.
Prop 6: Limit forced labor in state prisons
This constitutional amendment would end indentured servitude in state prisons, considered one of the last remnants of slavery (we recommend watching The 13th on Netflix). The California Black Legislative Caucus included the proposal in its reparations agenda. ✊🏿
A "yes" vote supports amending the state constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime and authorize the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to award credits to incarcerated persons who voluntarily participate in work assignments.
A "no" vote opposes this amendment, thereby maintaining the constitutional provision that authorizes the use of involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime.
Prop 32: Raise the state minimum wage to $18
This ballot initiative would gradually raise the state minimum wage to $18 an hour. 💸 Employers with 26+ workers would hit $18 by January 1, 2025, while smaller businesses (25 or fewer workers) would reach $18 by January 1, 2026. 📅 After that, the minimum wage would be adjusted based on inflation, similar to SB 3.
A "yes" vote supports increasing the state minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026 for all employers and thereafter adjusting the rate annually by increases to the cost of living.
A "no" vote opposes this ballot initiative, thereby maintaining the existing law which set the minimum wage to $16 per hour for all employers as of January 2024.
Prop 33: Allow local governments to impose rent controls
🏠🛑 This initiative aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which currently blocks rent control on single-family homes and buildings built after 1995. It also stops cities from capping the rent landlords can charge new tenants. If the act is repealed, cities and counties would be free to limit rent on any housing, including for new tenants. Local rent control laws that were inactive under Costa-Hawkins would come back into effect.
A "yes" vote supports: repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (1995), thereby allowing cities and counties to limit rent on any housing and limit the rent for first-time tenants and adding language to state law to prohibit the state from limiting "the right of any city, county, or city and county to maintain, enact or expand residential rent control."
A "no" vote opposes repealing Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibits rent control on single-family homes and houses completed after February 1, 1995.
Prop 34: Require certain providers to use prescription drug revenue for patients
Proposition 34 would create a new category called "prescription drug price manipulators." 🏥💊 If a company gets this label, they would need to follow some strict rules to keep their tax-exempt status and licenses. First, they would have to spend at least 98% of the money they get from federal discount drug programs on direct patient care. 🏥💸 Second, they can't engage in any behavior that harms public health or safety.
A "yes" vote supports: requiring health care providers that spent over $100 million in any 10-year period on anything other than direct patient care and operated multifamily housing with over 500 high-severity health and safety violations to spend 98% of revenues from the federal discount prescription drug program on direct patient care; penalizing violators of the initiative with loss of tax-exempt status and licenses to operate health insurance plans, pharmacies, and clinics; and permanently authorizing Medi-Cal RX in state law.
A "no" vote opposes this initiative to penalize health care providers who spend revenues from the federal discount prescription drug program on purposes other than direct patient care.
Prop 35: Make permanent a tax on managed health care plans
"This initiative is sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The tax is set to expire in 2026."-CalMatters
A "yes" vote supports permanently authorizing a tax on managed care organizations based on monthly enrollees, which is set to expire in 2026, and requiring revenues to be used for increased Medi-Cal programs.
A "no" vote opposes permanently authorizing a tax on managed care organizations based on monthly enrollees, thereby allowing it to expire in 2026.
Prop 36:
Proposition 36 would toughen penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. 🚨💊 It would increase prison sentences and make some offenses more serious. For example, if someone is caught with fentanyl and a loaded gun, it would become a felony with up to four years in prison—right now, it's just up to a year in jail. ⚖️ The proposition also raises penalties for selling large quantities of illegal drugs, requiring offenders to serve their full sentence in state prison. It would also crack down on repeat theft offenders: stealing items worth $950 or less could become a felony with up to three years behind bars if someone has two or more prior theft convictions.
A "yes" vote supports making changes to Proposition 47 approved in 2014, including: classifying certain drug offenses as treatment-mandated felonies; increasing penalties for certain drug crimes by increasing sentence lengths and level of crime; requiring courts to warn individuals convicted of distributing illegal drugs of their potential future criminal liability if they distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine; and increasing sentences for theft based on the value of the property stolen.
A "no" vote opposes this initiative that makes changes to Proposition 47 (2014), thereby maintaining certain drug and theft crimes as misdemeanors.
Fresno, California, Measure BB, Ashlan-Hayes Annexation Measure
A “yes” vote supports providing for the annexation of land, affecting Ashlan-Hayes No. 2, 3. and 4.
A “no” vote opposes providing for the annexation of land, affecting Ashlan-Hayes No. 2, 3. and 4.
Fresno Unified School District, California, Measure H, School Improvements Bond Measure
A “yes” vote supports authorizing the Fresno Unified School District to issue $500,000,000 in bonds with bond revenue going to fund school improvements and requiring an estimated property tax levy of $60 per $100,000 in assessed value.
A “no” vote opposes authorizing the Fresno Unified School District to issue $500,000,000 in bonds with bond revenue going to fund school improvements and requiring an estimated property tax levy of $60 per $100,000 in assessed value.
Source:
CalMatters: They provide helpful links and videos you can look up. Check them out here if you want to learn more about the props.
Ballotpedia: This site helped so much in our research. Want to learn more about other Fresno County area measures check out their site.