Miguel Lopez, president of the Mobile Food Vendor Association, speaks with Fresno Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez in March 2022. Photos by Edward Smith

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias announced his candidacy for County Supervisor in District 3 Tuesday, bringing the total confirmed number of candidates seeking to represent the district to three.

Arias made the announcement on Twitter Tuesday morning during the Fresno County Supervisors meeting.

Arias will run against fellow Councilmember Luis Chavez and incumbent Sal Quintero, who has served on the county board since 2016.

Arias’ announcement comes on the heels of fellow Councilmember Luis Chavez’s February announcement that he will run for the same seat in the March 2024 election.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for Fresno County Supervisor in District 3,” Arias said in a press release on Tuesday. “I have spent my time in public service fighting for the people and neighborhoods of Fresno, and I am ready to bring the needs of our neighborhoods to the forefront of the County.”

Arias has been endorsed by fellow Councilmember Nelson Esparza, as well as council President Tyler Maxwell and Vice President Annalisa Perea. He has also been endorsed by numerous Fresno and Central Unified School District Trustees as well as former county Supervisors Henry R. Perea and Juan Arambula.

“I believe that we can make Fresno County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Arias said. “We need to invest in our neighborhoods, support our small businesses, and work to ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, and good-paying jobs.”

Arias formerly served on the Board of Trustees for the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), representing trustee area number five, including Fresno City College, the SCCCD District Office and the home of Fresno City College’s West Campus, scheduled to open this fall.