Merced, CA (March 4, 2026) – Today, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California. The action stems from reports of a registered sex offender in Fresno expressing interest in running for Fresno City Council, an election taking place this June.
“It’s deeply disturbing that this issue is unfolding in my own backyard. The idea that a registered sex offender could run for public office in the City of Fresno is unacceptable,” Soria said. “This bill will ensure once and for all that registered sex offenders are prohibited from seeking public office in California, so voters can have confidence that those seeking to represent them meet the most basic standards of public trust.”
Currently there exists no law or statute prohibiting registered sex offenders from running for any local or state public office in California.
Assemblywoman Soria plans to amend AB 2753, which will soon include language prohibiting any registered sex offender in the State of California for running for local or state public office.
“I am proud to support any legislation that bans registered sex offenders from holding public office, it is simply common sense,” said Fresno City Councilman Nelson Esparza (D). “Elected officials must have the trust of the public to govern effectively. Individuals who have committed these types of offenses have violated that trust in the most profound way. There must be zero tolerance when it comes to safeguarding our children and ensuring that public officials can lawfully carry out all the responsibilities of their office.”
The recent announcement of a registered sex offender expressing interest in running for city council in California’s fifth largest city has united both democrat and republican leaders in Fresno.
“If state law prevents candidacy from citizens whose crimes have violated public trust, and that doesn’t yet include the crime of violating the innocence of our youth for some twisted personal pleasure, then it’s missing the mark,” said Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson (R).
“Protecting children must always come before protecting political ambitions. Individuals who have committed sexual offenses, particularly against minors, should be nowhere near positions of public authority,” said Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea (D). “Those who have violated that trust in the most serious way have disqualified themselves from sitting at those decision-making tables. I’m proud to stand with Assemblymember Soria to draw a clear line: the safety of our children and the integrity of our institutions are not negotiable.”
