Local Politics
Progressive challenger Randy Villegas held a 65.1% to 34.9% lead over Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, in California's 22nd Congressional District race as of 10:45 p.m. Nov. 3, with about 44% of votes counted per the AP. Villegas claimed victory in a statement after 9 p.m., though Valadao had not conceded and the AP had not called the race. The district spans communities across Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties in the southern San Joaquin Valley, including Huron, Riverdale, Caruthers, Kerman, San Joaquin, Hanford, Porterville, Wasco, and portions of Bakersfield. If results hold, Villegas would become the first Latino to represent the Central Valley in Congress.
Local Politics · Fresno County
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig held about 62.5% of the vote over Libertarian William Brown Jr.'s 37.5% in early returns for California Senate District 12, as of 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3. The district covers northeast Fresno and Clovis, plus portions of Tulare and Kern counties including parts of Visalia and Bakersfield. Magsig, a Fresno County supervisor since 2017, said his priorities include infrastructure, forest management, water and energy policy. Brown, a Marine veteran from Visalia, focused his campaign on fiscal responsibility and reducing taxes and regulations.
Public Safety
The NWS Hanford office issued a dense fog advisory on Tuesday at 8:39 p.m. valid for Wednesday from midnight through 10 a.m. across much of the San Joaquin Valley. Visibility is expected to drop to a quarter mile or less, impacting State Routes 33, 41, 43, 99, 140, 145, 152, 168, 180 and 198. The advisory covers areas including Los Banos, Dos Palos, Merced, Madera, Mendota, Fresno-Clovis, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore, Visalia, Porterville, Reedley, Delano, Wasco, Shafter, and Kern County. The NWS urged drivers to slow down, use headlights, and leave extra distance, or avoid driving if possible.
