Arambula Completes 30-Day Rehab, Files to Run for Fresno City Council

State Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula completed a 30-day inpatient rehabilitation program in early February and filed papers to seek a Fresno City Council seat, as divorce proceedings from his wife Elizabeth reveal allegations of substance abuse and a custody dispute over their three children.

Arambula, 48, stated in a signed February 13 court declaration that he entered the voluntary inpatient program on January 7 to build coping skills for occupational stress. "Recognizing that I was having difficulty dealing with the stress of my occupation and the demands made on me, I voluntarily entered an inpatient rehabilitation program on Jan. 7, 2026. The program was designed to provide me with the skills necessary to cope with that stress," he wrote. He completed the program February 6 and described it as "extremely beneficial."

In a statement, Arambula framed the decision in personal terms. "I voluntarily entered into and successfully completed a 30-day rehab because I recognized I had a problem, and I chose to improve my life and be a better father for our children," he said. In his court declaration he added: "I just felt I needed some help to adjust and to make sure that I did not become dependent on alcohol or marijuana." Court filings show a $30,000 check made out to Reflections Rehabilitation.

While Arambula was in treatment, Elizabeth Arambula moved out of the family home and filed for divorce on January 26 at Fresno County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. Her filings allege a history of substance abuse and gaming addiction, and she is seeking more than $27,000 a month in spousal and child support, along with custody of the couple's three children, ages 11, 14 and 15. Court records also show she asked a judge to intercede over the family's finances, alleging Joaquin controlled all savings, checking and credit accounts. Arambula disputed the financial picture and said Elizabeth has withheld access to the children pending financial concessions. "Because she has refused to let me see our children unless financial and other demands are met, I am fighting in court for my rights as a father," he said.

His office confirmed he was absent from Sacramento and Fresno during January. "Assemblymember Arambula was on approved medical leave during January and then returned to work in Sacramento and Fresno. He is fully engaged in work — authoring legislation, attending meetings and events, and interacting with constituents," a spokesperson said.

On March 2, Arambula filed to run for Fresno City Council District 3, the seat covering southwest and downtown Fresno, with the June 2 primary as the next electoral milestone. He has represented the 31st Assembly District since 2016 and is serving his fifth term, with his district spanning a large portion of Fresno and extending into Clovis, Selma, Fowler, Parlier, Sanger and Orange Cove. KFSN noted he was the first Latino physician elected to the California State Assembly.

The District 3 race is already crowded. Others who have qualified or intend to run include Fresno Unified trustee Keshia Thomas, former West Park School District trustee Fernando Alvarez, caseworker Jalen Swank, and businesspeople Charles Montoya, Larry Burrus and Anji Brown.

This is not the first time Arambula has navigated public scrutiny while holding office. He was arrested on misdemeanor child abuse charges in late 2018; a jury acquitted him months later. "This is a very trying time for me and my family, and I ask for the public's understanding," he said of the current situation.