Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle, who faces sexual assault charges, said Saturday that he will run for re-election in the June primary.
Valle cited the unwavering support of family, friends and constituents in his decision.
"When the going got tough, my supporters never quit on me, and I'll be damned if I'm going to quit on them," he said.
Valle, 41, made the announcement this morning at his Corcoran home.
"I am battle-tested and I have proven worthy to remain their fighter in the ring," he said.
He is charged with five felony counts of sexual assault against two women involving an incident at his home in Corcoran in 2010 and an alleged incident in 2006.
Valle, who is in his first term, is free on bail and has continued to serve on the Board of Supervisors.
Three people have indicated that they will seek election to Valle's District 2 seat, covering much of southern Kings County. Ron Hoggard, interim city manager of Hanford and former city manager of Corcoran; Sid Craighead, a former Avenal City Council member; and Brandon LaMattino, a Lakeside Union Elementary School District trustee, have submitted petitions seeking lower filing fees.
The state attorney general will take over the prosecution of Valle, a state appeals court ruled Friday.
The reporter can be reached at ejimenez@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6386.
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