Fresno, CA – Two Fresno officials are running for state Senate District 14 in the 2026 election. Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria is seeking to fill the seat left vacant by term limits, while her former Fresno City Council colleague, Nelson Esparza, has also announced his candidacy.
Soria, a Democrat from Fresno, officially launched her campaign on Tuesday, citing healthcare and public safety as her top priorities. She plans to “continue fighting” for working families and small businesses in the Central Valley.
Esparza, who served with Soria on the city council from 2019-2022, announced his candidacy earlier this month. He claims the people of the Valley are seeking a new voice in Sacramento, and vows to “shake things up” at the state capitol.
The two candidates have received significant financial backing: Esparza has $275,195 in his campaign account, while Soria has $15,000 as of December 31. However, Soria is known for her prolific fundraising abilities, pulling in $2 million in calendar year 2024.
Esparza’s supporters include Fresno City Council members Tyler Maxwell and Mike Karbassi, as well as Republican Mayor Jerry Dyer and several congressional representatives. On the other hand, Soria has received endorsements from Central Valley officials, including former Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula and current member Anna Caballero.
Arambulas is backing Celedon for Assembly
Separately, Sandra Celedon is receiving financial support for her potential Assembly seat replacement, Joaquin Arambula. Celedon’s campaign has received contributions from Amelia Arambula, Joaquin Arambula himself, and several other notable figures in the Fresno community.
The 2026 election promises to be a competitive battle between these two former colleagues vying for a seat at the state capitol.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2025/03/17/soria-confirms-she-is-running-for-state-senate-against-esparza