Dairy Farmer Brian Pacheco Wins State Assembly Seat

Fresno Farmer Brian Pacheco Wins State Assembly Race, Becomes Sole Farmer in Sacramento

Brian Pacheco is headed to the California State Assembly, and with his decisive win, he will be the only bona fide farmer in the entire 80-member legislature. The fourth-generation dairy farmer trounced Republican Mike Murphy in the race for Assembly District 27, securing 63.3% of the vote compared to Murphy’s 36.7% with more than half the ballots counted, KVPR reported. Pacheco’s victory wasn’t part of the plan until a phone call from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who pointed out a striking fact: there wasn’t a single full-time farmer currently serving in Sacramento.

The Call That Changed Everything

Pacheco, who serves on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, says he had no intention to leave his local post. “I wasn’t looking to vacate this seat,” he said in a recent interview. But the speaker’s outreach gave him pause. When Rivas told him there wasn’t one bona fide farmer in the legislature, Pacheco’s sense of duty kicked in. “I’ve never been one to sit back,” he added.

Serving in Sacramento means more travel and more time away from his dairy operation, where he raises 1,500 cows outside Kerman. There’s also the political calculus: supervisors aren’t subject to term limits, while state legislators can serve a maximum of 12 years. And then there’s the bottom line. Pacheco will be taking a pay cut of roughly $20,000 a year. What are you thinking?’” Pacheco recounted.

A Voice for the Valley’s $9.6 Billion Industry

The choice ultimately came down to perspective. “But I do this full time, 12 months, 365 days. That’s the difference.” He’s felt the sting of state politicians passing laws that directly impact agriculture without a full understanding of the real-world consequences. Now, he’ll be in a position to change that dynamic from the inside.

Fresno State political science professor Lisa Bryant told KVPR that the weight of this “sole farmer” responsibility is immense.

The Cost of Representation

Pacheco’s new role comes with significant personal and professional sacrifice. He’s leaving a position with no term limits for one with a 12-year limit, and he’s taking a substantial pay cut. “I’ve never been one to be afraid of a challenge,” he said.

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Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea won easily in District 31 with 67.4% of the vote. In District 33, Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo leads in her bid for re-election with 51.9% of the vote. In the State Senate, Democrat Melissa Hurtado won re-election in District 16, while Republican Nathan Magsig is headed to Sacramento to represent District 14.

Pacheco’s victory ensures that a critical voice from California’s most productive agricultural region will have a seat at the table.