Fresno County Candidates Begin Filing for June 2 Primary Election

Candidates began filing Jan. 3 for the 2026 election cycle as the filing window opened for county and city offices, kicking off what could be a year of significant turnover in Fresno County government. The primary election is set for June 2 for statewide and federal offices and several local races; the Nov. 3 general election will follow for contests that advance past the primary.

Two Fresno County supervisor seats are among the highest profile openings. In District 1, which includes northwest Fresno County and parts of west Fresno, Supervisor Brian Pacheco is running for state Assembly and will not seek re‑election to the board. Multiple candidates have pulled papers for that seat, including Felipe Perez, Eric Payne and Lupe Flores. In District 4, covering much of south Fresno County, Supervisor Buddy Mendes also announced he will not run again; early filings in that race include Selma Unified School District Trustee Nick Sahota and Charlie Soto.

Several Fresno City Council districts likewise face change. District 1 Councilmember Annalisa Perea is running for state Assembly, leaving that council seat open, and Districts 3, 5 and 7 are among those that could see new members as incumbents step down or pursue other offices. These municipal contests will determine local approaches to housing, transportation and neighborhood services at a time when investment priorities and regional growth are central concerns for residents.

Voters could also help decide the composition of the local judiciary. Up to 18 judicial seats may be on the ballot; so far 14 incumbents have filed paperwork for re‑election. Challenges to judges are rare in Fresno County, and if an incumbent is the only candidate to file, that person will be elected automatically.

Election rules differ by office. For statewide and federal contests the top two finishers in the June primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party. County and city races use a majority rule, a candidate who wins a majority in the June vote claims the office outright; if no one reaches a majority the top two will move on to the general.

Early fundraising and endorsements are already shaping several local fields, and candidates have signaled priorities that include water management and transportation, issues tied to Fresno County’s agricultural base, commute patterns and diverse communities. Residents should watch filings and candidate platforms in the coming weeks and make sure they are registered and informed ahead of the June primary.