File Photo Kyle Kirkland

A well-known local business leader announced his bid to represent the Central Valley in congress on Wednesday.

Kyle Kirkland, owner of Club One Casino in Fresno and president of the California Gaming Association, announced his candidacy for Congress for the CA-21 district, which includes parts of the counties of Fresno and Madera.

He will be running against longtime incumbent Rep. Jim Costa.

He is also of the founder of the animal welfare non-profit Kirkland Foundation and is the former chairman of Steinway Musical Instruments, the iconic piano manufacturer based in Astoria, New York.

Kirkland said now that the Prop 50 redistricting is over, there must be a focus on the high costs for housing, food, gas, and healthcare many Californians are facing due to decades of over-regulation, governmental mismanagement and no understanding of how to create affordable abundance.

“We need business leaders who know how to find solutions to complex problems and make life better, not career politicians rigging the game to satisfy personal ambitions and maintain the status quo. Instead of serving you, our government serves itself. It’s time to change that,” Kirkland said.

Kirkland said through his career he has had to compete, make products and payrolls, work with others, and succeeded without government help.

Kirkland for Congress for district CA-20 under the Republican Party in 2023-2024, raising a total of $723,332 for his campaign according to the Federal Election Commission’s website. The CA-20 district includes parts of Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and Kern Counties.

According to Kirkland’s campaign website, major issues he wants to tackle include government accountability, securing the border, water and agriculture, safe communities, and improving the education system.

“Join me in our effort to bring proven business experience, common sense leadership, results and accountability to our government,” Kirkland said.