“The Central Valley is my home, and I have spent my entire career fighting for our working families, farmers, small businesses, and veterans.” - Esmeralda
The daughter of immigrant farm workers, Esmeralda grew up working alongside her parents in the fields, learning firsthand the value of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Raised in Tulare County, she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from UC Berkeley before earning a law degree from UC Davis. She returned home to the Valley to dedicate her career to public service—as an educator, community advocate, Fresno City Councilmember, and now Assemblywoman.
Elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022, Esmeralda represents Fresno, Merced, and Madera Counties. In just her first term, she has delivered historic investments in healthcare, public safety, economic development, and flood recovery—proving herself as a fighter for the Central Valley.
In the Assembly, Esmeralda has wasted no time in tackling the Valley’s most pressing challenges. She fought to keep local hospitals open, securing a historic $300 million in funding for struggling healthcare facilities and leading the charge to reopen Madera Community Hospital. When catastrophic floods devastated Planada and other rural farmworker communities, she worked alongside residents to deliver $20 million in flood recovery funding. She has championed public safety investments, expanded veteran services, and authored laws to protect workers’ rights and increase education funding to ensure the Central Valley has a strong voice in Sacramento.
Esmeralda currently serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, where she advocates for Central Valley farmers and a strong agricultural economy. She is also a member of the Banking and Finance, Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact, Governmental Organization, and Housing and Community Development Committees, where she fights for small businesses, working families, and policies that strengthen the Valley’s economy.
Outside of public office, Esmeralda has taught Latino Politics and Judicial Reasoning at Fresno City College for nearly a decade, ensuring the next generation is engaged in shaping California’s future. She has also served on the boards of local and statewide nonprofit organizations, including Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Access Plus Capital, Hands On California, the Latino Caucus of Cal Cities, and Dailey Charter Elementary.
With a proven track record of delivering for the Central Valley, Esmeralda is now running for State Senate to continue fighting for working families, bring home more resources to the region, and ensure our voices are heard in Sacramento.
