Soria Starts Re-Election Bid in Style. Is Higher Office Ahead?
gvw_david_taub
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 7 years ago on
March 2, 2018

Share

Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria began her re-election campaign in style. Held in the Fig Garden home of her boyfriend and prominent real estate developer Terance Frazier, Soria welcomed support from a who’s who of local political and labor communities.
Listen to David Taub’s interview with Esmeralda Soria about her re-election campaign
 
The campaign asked for contributions anywhere from $100 for the “friend” level to a campaign-max $4,400 for the platinum level. Celebrity chef Ryan Scott catered the event. The final financial tally won’t be known until it is reported by the city clerk in a few weeks.
Spotted at the party: Congressman Jim Costa, Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, a number of Soria’s colleagues on the Fresno City Council, former Assemblyman Juan Arambula, former county Supervisor Henry R. Perea, as well as labor leaders Damon Kurtz (police union) and Chuck Riojas (building trades).
Soria’s quest for a second term should be easier than her initial run in 2014. She outlasted Cary Catalano in the general election, defeating him by 5 percentage points. This time around, no one has followed through to run against her.

Goals for Second Term

Fresno city councilwoman Esmeralda Soria
Before the event, Soria laid out her second-term goals.
“I want to see the multi-family housing on Blackstone and McKinley really come to fruition and get built out. There is still a lack of green space in District 1 and I’m looking for potential future opportunities there. I want to see more economic development happen in the Tower District. We have seen a slew of small businesses come. I believe we need more help there,” Soria said.
She also wants more development in the Highway City area.
Improving Fresno’s lot in Sacramento is another Soria goal. She recently ascended to the post of chairwoman of the League of Cities transportation committee.

A Change in the Board?

Ideologically, not much is expected to change in the forthcoming election in District 1 (Soria), District 3 (open seat) and District 5 (where Luis Chavez is the incumbent). Where a shift could happen is District 7. Libertarian-leaning Republican Clint Olivier is termed out. Three candidates have emerged to replace him: Democrats Nelson Esparza and Veva Islas, and Republican Brian Whelan.
Soria, a Democrat, thinks this could be an opportunity for a change in the council’s makeup.
“I’m excited about the opportunity of seeing a composition change in the council. I will say, that over the last four years, I’ve been able to build a relationship with all my colleagues. That is what helped me be successful in the projects I’ve worked on,” Soria said.

Beyond a Second Term

Pundits have speculated where Soria’s political career may go. She did not commit to fulfilling a full term if re-elected.
“I am very flattered that people are thinking about me for higher positions. I will have to make those decisions if they present themselves. Right now, I’m committed to the city of Fresno, ensuring that I represent District 1, just like I’ve done for the last three-and-a-half years. I’m bringing a voice to the council for my district.”
Soria touted her accessibility to her constituents through a number of coffee events she’s held.

June Primary

The filing deadline for candidates to run for office is next Friday (Mar. 9). The only other person to file, Rolando Moncivais, says he has changed his mind. Soria’s most recent financial documents indicate she has $1,475 cash on hand (but $3,613 in debts) left from her 2014 campaign. Thursday’s kickoff event will no doubt add to those coffers.

DON'T MISS

23 for ’23: A Year in Photos

DON'T MISS

See How this Fresno roastery sends aid to Northern Thailand.

DON'T MISS

District Says Fresno Teachers Contract Proposal Would Bankrupt Budget Reserves by Year 3

DON'T MISS

Trump Vows to Ban Gaza Refugees, Expand Muslim Travel Ban If He Wins

DON'T MISS

The Supreme Court Orders Makers of Gun Parts to Comply with Rules on Ghost Guns

DON'T MISS

George W. Bush for Speaker? A Democratic Lawmaker Thinks It’s Possible

DON'T MISS

Former Navy IT Manager Gets Five Years for Hacking, ID Theft

DON'T MISS

Gunman Kills Two Swedes in Brussels, Prompting Terror Alert and Halt of Belgium-Sweden Soccer Match

DON'T MISS

Zakaria: The Best Response to Hamas Would Be to Keep the Saudi Deal Alive

DON'T MISS

Groundbreaking Human Brain Atlas Offers New Hope for Treating Neurological Disorders

UP NEXT

Fresno’s Famous Gourmet Hot Dog Shop Sells

UP NEXT

District to Fresno Teachers: Read Our Proposal Before Taking Strike Vote

UP NEXT

George W. Bush for Speaker? A Democratic Lawmaker Thinks It’s Possible

UP NEXT

City of Fresno’s Israeli Flag Raising Draws Supporters and Protesters

UP NEXT

Former Fresno CC Coach Ed Madec Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Kill Chancellor

UP NEXT

Trump Vows to Ban Gaza Refugees, Expand Muslim Travel Ban If He Wins

UP NEXT

Former Navy IT Manager Gets Five Years for Hacking, ID Theft

UP NEXT

Newsom Signs Law to Slowly Raise Healthcare Minimum Wage to $25

UP NEXT

Fresno Politicians Say They Stand With Israel in Remarks at Cornerstone Church

UP NEXT

Groundbreaking Human Brain Atlas Offers New Hope for Treating Neurological Disorders

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

You May like

Trump Vows to Ban Gaza Refugees, Expand Muslim Travel Ban If He Wins

1 year ago

The Supreme Court Orders Makers of Gun Parts to Comply with Rules on Ghost Guns

1 year ago

George W. Bush for Speaker? A Democratic Lawmaker Thinks It’s Possible

1 year ago

Former Navy IT Manager Gets Five Years for Hacking, ID Theft

1 year ago

Gunman Kills Two Swedes in Brussels, Prompting Terror Alert and Halt of Belgium-Sweden Soccer Match

1 year ago

Zakaria: The Best Response to Hamas Would Be to Keep the Saudi Deal Alive

1 year ago

Groundbreaking Human Brain Atlas Offers New Hope for Treating Neurological Disorders

1 year ago

Newsom Signs Law to Slowly Raise Healthcare Minimum Wage to $25

1 year ago

Former Fresno CC Coach Ed Madec Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Kill Chancellor

1 year ago

Jim Jordan’s Rapid Rise Cheered by Trump and Far Right. Could It Make Him Speaker?

1 year ago

HOT OFF THE PRESS

23 for ’23: A Year in Photos

1 year ago

1 year ago

Trump Vows to Ban Gaza Refugees, Expand Muslim Travel Ban If He Wins