Mathys’ bid for ‘Trump Conservative’ listing fails on appeal. What ballot will say

Former Fresno City Councilmember Chris Mathys on Friday lost an appeal to describe himself as “Trump Conservative/Businessman” on the June 7 ballot in his campaign for the new 22nd Congressional District.

Mathys is running against Rep. David Valadao, who is one of 10 House Republicans who voted for impeachment against the former president.

“We did get rejected,” said Mathys after a Sacramento court hearing. “But we reached a compromise.”

Mathys said he will be designated as “Businessman/Rancher.” Mathys said he owns the Mercy Cattle Ranch in Little Panoche Valley, off of Interstate 5.

As to why he wanted to be described as “Trump Conservative,” he said:

“I support President Trump 100 percent. He is the best president in my lifetime.”

In a Feb. 28 letter to Mathys, Robbie Anderson, the election consul for Secretary of State Shirley Weber, said the designation “Trump Conservative” does not designate a current vocation, profession, or occupation for the purpose of a ballot designation.”

Mathys argued that he had the “right to self-identify as well as my right to choose a ballot designation that aligns with my principals without discrimination.” He added that voters should be the final arbiter of his decision.

This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 2:24 PM.