Nelson Esparza

Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza announced Thursday that he is suspending his campaign for California’s 14th District State Senate seat, choosing to support Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria in her bid for 2026.

Esparza, who first announced his campaign in 2024, was endorsed by prominent Fresnans including fellow Council Member Mike Karbassi, Mayor Jerry Dyer, former Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Jim Yovino and others.

In an announcement Thursday, Esparza said that his decision stemmed from the hope of retaining unity during a time when political tensions continue to fill the spotlight.

“The truth is that the stakes of the 2026 election are too high for our Central Valley families and too important for the future of our democracy,” Esparza wrote in a news release. “That is why I have decided to meet this moment by stepping aside and giving my full support and endorsement to Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s campaign for State Senate.”

Esparza added that his goal has always been to stand up for the most vulnerable, saying that  a shared vision of a better California is a goal that both he and Soria hold dear.

“United together, I know we will protect this seat and defeat MAGA at every level of the ballot,” Esparza added. “I look forward to continuing to serve our Central Valley communities, and today that begins with unity.”

Soria announced her campaign for State Senate this March. California’s 14th District seat is currently held by Anna Caballero.

Soria and Esparza served on the Fresno City Council together from 2019 until Soria’s departure for her District 27 State Assembly Seat in 2022.

Soria has gathered endorsements from major California leaders, including Senators Caballero and Jesse Arreguin, as well as Attorney General Rob Bonta. She has also been endorsed by Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco and Fresno County Assessor-Recorder Paul Dictos and more.