Six Candidates Clash Over Measure C and Development in Fresno Supervisor Race

Key facts

• Six candidates are vying for Fresno County Supervisor District 1: Mike Karbassi, Eric Payne, Felipe Perez, Lupe Flores, Maria Pacheco, and Omar Hernandez.
• The seat is open because incumbent Brian Pacheco is running for state Assembly.
• The forum was moderated by Blake Zante of The Maddy Institute at the Community Media Access Collaborative in downtown Fresno on April 27, 2026.
• Ballots will be sent the week of May 4, with the first voting center opening that day at the Fresno County Elections Office.
• The election concludes on June 2.
• Measure C, the county's transportation tax, was a central topic of debate.
• Granville Homes contributed $4,700 to Karbassi's city council campaign in 2019, later transferred to his supervisor campaign; Darius Assemi, Granville Homes CEO, is GV Wire's publisher.

Candidates Face Off on Transportation Tax and Growth

Six candidates for Fresno County Supervisor District 1 met Monday night at a forum where they sparred over Measure C, the county's transportation tax, and the future of development. The event, held at the Community Media Access Collaborative in downtown Fresno, was moderated by Blake Zante of The Maddy Institute. The candidates are vying to replace Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who is stepping down to run for state Assembly. The field includes Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi, nonprofit executive Eric Payne, Firebaugh City Councilmember Felipe Perez, Mendota Unified trustee Lupe Flores, Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, and West Hills Community College District Trustee Omar Hernandez. Ballots will be mailed the week of May 4, with the first voting center opening that same day at the Fresno County Elections Office. The election concludes on June 2.

Measure C Debate Dominates the Forum

The candidates were asked about Measure C, the county's transportation tax, which is up for replacement. The tax funds road and transit projects, and its future has become a flashpoint in the race. Forum moderator Blake Zante pressed the candidates on whether they support renewing or modifying the tax. Their answers revealed a split between those who see it as essential for infrastructure and those who argue it burdens taxpayers without sufficient accountability. The debate over Measure C is set to be a defining issue in the campaign, as the county grapples with traffic congestion and aging roads.

Agriculture and Data Centers Emerge as Key Issues

Beyond transportation, the candidates discussed support for agriculture, the county's economic backbone, and whether data centers should be located in Fresno County. The rise of data centers has sparked concerns about water usage and land use in a region already facing agricultural pressures. Candidates offered divergent views: some welcomed data centers as a source of jobs and tax revenue, while others warned they could compete with farms for scarce resources. The forum highlighted the tension between economic development and preserving the county's agricultural heritage. No candidate advocated for unrestricted growth, but their approaches to balancing these priorities varied significantly.

Candidates Represent Diverse Backgrounds and Districts

The six candidates bring a range of experiences to the race. Mike Karbassi currently serves on the Fresno City Council, while Eric Payne leads a nonprofit. Felipe Perez is a Firebaugh city councilmember, Lupe Flores sits on the Mendota Unified school board, Maria Pacheco is mayor of Kerman, and Omar Hernandez is a West Hills Community College District trustee. Their geographic bases span the district, which covers parts of Fresno and surrounding communities. The diversity of backgrounds suggests the race will be shaped by local concerns as much as countywide issues. A disclosure note: Granville Homes contributed $4,700 to Karbassi's city council campaign in 2019, which was later transferred to his supervisor campaign. Darius Assemi, CEO of Granville Homes, is the publisher of GV Wire, which hosted the forum.

Timeline Tightens as Ballots Go Out Next Week

With ballots set to be mailed on May 4, the campaign is entering its final month. The first voting center opens that same day at the Fresno County Elections Office in downtown Fresno, giving residents an early opportunity to cast their ballots. The election concludes on June 2, leaving candidates little time to sway undecided voters. The forum provided one of the last major opportunities for the candidates to present their platforms to a broad audience. As the race intensifies, the positions staked out on Measure C, development, and agriculture will likely dominate the final weeks of campaigning.

Open Seat Attracts Crowded Field Amid County Challenges

The decision by incumbent Brian Pacheco to run for state Assembly created an open seat, drawing a large field of candidates. The District 1 race is one of the most competitive in Fresno County this cycle, reflecting broader debates about growth, taxes, and the environment. The candidates' differing stances on data centers and agricultural support underscore the challenges facing the county: how to foster economic development without sacrificing the resources that sustain its farming communities. The outcome of the June 2 election will shape Fresno County's direction on transportation funding and land-use policy for years to come.

The bottom line

• Six candidates are competing for Fresno County Supervisor District 1, with ballots going out May 4 and the election on June 2.
• Measure C, the county's transportation tax, is a central issue, with candidates divided on its renewal and reform.
• Agriculture and data centers are key topics, reflecting tensions between economic growth and resource conservation.
• Incumbent Brian Pacheco is leaving the seat to run for state Assembly, creating an open race.
• Granville Homes' $4,700 contribution to Karbassi's campaign was disclosed, with the company's CEO as GV Wire's publisher.