Esmeralda Soria

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022, representing the 27th District, encompassing Fresno, Merced, and Madera Counties.

As the daughter of immigrant farm workers, Esmeralda reflects the values and understands the everyday challenges that millions of Central Valley families face. A product of Tulare County, she worked alongside her parents in the fields, forging the values of hard work, sacrifice, and community early on in her life. With the support of her community, strong mentors, and the foundational values instilled by her parents, Esmeralda went on to graduate from UC Berkeley, earn a law degree from UC Davis, and return to the Central Valley to serve as an educator, community advocate, and City Councilwoman.

Elected to the Fresno City Council in 2014, Esmeralda led initiatives focused on enhancing public safety, fostering community development, creating good-paying jobs, building affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and expanding access to parks and greenspaces. She also played a key role in revitalizing Fresno, expanding Fresno City College, and establishing a scholarship fund for DREAMers.

As a Councilmember, Esmeralda fought tirelessly to secure millions of dollars in funding for her district resulting in the construction of much needed affordable housing, improved city services, and reduced crime.

During her first term in the State Assembly, Esmeralda faced two major crises: the closure of the Madera Community Hospital and devastating flooding in Merced County. She fought tirelessly to secure $150 million dollars within her first 150 days in the Assembly by authoring AB 412, the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, a crucial step forward to help reopen Madera Community Hospital. She also worked closely with local community leaders to secure $20 million dollars in the Governor’s budget for flood disaster relief to aid the rural farmworker community of Planada in Merced County. Esmeralda is a leader in the Assembly, proudly serving as the Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. She also has the privilege to serve on the Agriculture, Banking and Finance, and Insurance committees, to advocate for and deliver much needed resources for Central Valley farmers, families, and small businesses. In less than one year in office, Esmeralda has authored legislation on worker protections and safety and increased funding for education ensuring that the Central Valley has a strong voice in Sacramento, so that no working families are left behind in California’s progress.

Outside her work as a policy maker, Esmeralda has served as a Professor of Latino Politics and Judicial Reasoning at Fresno City College for over 9 years. In addition, Esmeralda has volunteered on the board of various local and statewide non-profit organizations including Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Access Plus Capital, Hands On California, Latino Caucus of the Cal Cities, and Dailey Charter Elementary.