California Ag Network

Tag: State Assembly

  • Past California Farm Bureau President Runs for State Assembly

    Jamie Johansson, a farmer and past President of the California Farm Bureau, has officially announced his campaign for State Assembly. Johansson is running to succeed Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher in the 3rd State Assembly District, as Gallagher is term-limited and unable to seek reelection.

    Jamie Johansson is a proud Northern Californian who has lived in Butte County since 1993. His story is one of grit and perseverance. During tough times, Jamie dug ditches by hand to make ends meet and taught himself to farm olives and citrus. In 1998, he began managing orchards in the Oroville area to fulfill contracts supplying olives to the Bay Area and has been a farmer ever since.

    Facing California’s maze of taxes and regulations, Jamie took action. He joined the Butte County Farm Bureau Board, was elected to the Oroville City Council, and served as President of the California Farm Bureau.

    In addition to being a first-generation farmer, Jamie continues to put community and service first. He has supported local agriculture youth groups, is a leader of the Durham Boy Scouts, and founded the Sierra Oro Farm Trail, a non-profit that promotes agri-tourism and marketability for Butte County farms.

    Jamie lives in Chico with his wife, Nicole, and their three children. When he’s not working, Jamie can be found building a pig pen for his kids’ fair project or cheering the kids on at their sporting events.

    What Jamie’s Saying:
    “Northern California has had enough. Enough of the high prices, wasteful water policies, and extreme political agendas in Sacramento. Enough of being left behind. That’s why I’m running—to be the voice of farmers, hard-working people, and small business owners who are ready to turn California around. I’ve stood up to Newsom. I’ve worked with the Trump Administration to provide relief for local farms. Now, I’m ready to fight for Northern California in the State Assembly.”

  • Kings County Farm Bureau Endorses Justin Mendes for State Assembly District 32

    Hanford, Calif. —The Kings County Farm Bureau’s board of directors voted last week to endorse Hanford’s Justin Mendes in the 32nddistrict State Assembly race. The son of a Kings County dairy farmer, a Hanford city council member and the longtime district director for Congressman David Valadao, Mendes’ unique blend of experience, along with his no-nonsense approach to government, earned him the board’s endorsement.

    “Justin has our community’s best interests in mind,” said KCFB Vice President Brian Medeiros. “We feel that he will not be content to tow the party line, especially when it impacts the citizens of our 32nddistrict. For far too long, the voices of our community have fallen on the deaf ears of our current representative. Our way of life has been met with countless attacks that have only been furthered by our representative. Mendes is a clear choice to represent our community.”

    Because elected officials play such a big role in the policy decisions that affect local farmers, the KCFB board of directors is committed to endorse candidates that they think will best represent the ag industry. Candidates are thoroughly vetted by the board, and only those whose ideals align with KCFB’s values and priorities will receive an endorsement.

    “As a non-partisan organization, Kings County Farm Bureau reviews every political candidate based on their qualifications, commitment to agriculture, electability, and ability to carry our message,” said Medeiros. “As part of our work to protect and promote agriculture in the South Valley, we are committed to engaging in the political process.”