Mayor says he’s not behind mystery ‘One Fresno’ group sending political mailers
If you received a political mailer paid for by a group called the “One Fresno Coalition,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer wants you to know it’s not from him.
It’s not immediately clear who is funding the newly formed committee that has spent nearly $30,000 since late April to send mailers in support of four candidates who share similar political backing. But the group has done so by aligning itself with the “One Fresno” phrase Dyer popularized during his 2019 mayoral campaign, in which he ran on a vision of uniting the city behind “One Fresno.”
The mailers aim to boost the campaigns of District 3 candidate Fernando Alvarez, District 1 candidate Rob Fuentes, District 7 candidate Nav Gurm and District 5 candidate Danielle Parra.
Dyer told The Bee he is not affiliated with the group.
“I have no knowledge of this committee. I was not aware of this, and I’m not involved in it.” said Dyer, who also chairs the One Fresno Foundation supporting youth development and city beautification efforts.
Political consultant Alex Tavlian is listed as an officer for the committee, which formed in late April, according to campaign filings with the city. Tavlian would not confirm to The Bee who is funding the group.
“All I can do is direct you to what’s currently filed with the Clerk’s office,” Tavlian said in an email.
The June 2 primary election is less than a month away. There are about 20 candidates across the four races.
Councilman Miguel Arias confirmed to The Bee Friday afternoon that the City Attorney’s Office received a complaint about the group for not filing complete paperwork that discloses the nature of the committee or relevant financial information.
City Attorney Andrew Janz did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday afternoon. Arias said Janz will review the complaint Monday and determine the appropriate next steps, which may include an investigation or potential fines.
Last year, a mailer sent by a group administered by Tavlian called Fresno Future Forward accused Councilman Brandon Vang of statutory rape, claims he and his wife publicly denied. After pressure from the City Attorney’s Office, Tavlian was fined $1,000 for incomplete campaign paperwork. Vang went on to win the District 5 seat in a special election and is running for reelection in the June primary.
What candidates have in common
Alvarez, Fuentes, Gurm and Parra share at least one thing in common: they’re all endorsed by Henry R. Perea, a former Fresno County supervisor and Fresno councilman.
There’s no indication that Perea is connected to the mailers. But the former lawmaker and High-Speed Rail Authority board member has remained involved in local politics behind the scenes.
He’s known to endorse candidates in this Fresno City Council race who tend to be more moderate Democrats compared to their more progressive opponents.
Dyer has also endorsed Gurm and Fuentes in their council races.
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM.
