Here is Bee Editorial Board’s endorsement for Fresno-area Assembly District 8 | Opinion

Jim Patterson has represented Fresno-area voters in the state Assembly since he was first elected in 2012.

Term limits have finally caught up to him, and this is the final year Patterson will represent what is now Assembly District 8. It is a sprawling district, running from north Fresno to communities in Madera, Mariposa, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, then over the Sierra to include Mono and Inyo counties.

District 8 is majority Republican in party registration. The GOP has 44.2% of registered voters, while Democrats have 29.7%

Given that huge registration difference for the GOP, the top two contenders to emerge from the March primary are Republicans: former congressman George Radanovich of Mariposa and first-time candidate David Tangipa of Fresno.

In the primary, Radanovich captured 36.1% of the votes to Tangipa’s 31.3%. Democrat Caleb Helsel finished third at 29.6% and a no-party preference candidate was fourth at 3%. Under California election law, the top two finishers in the primary advance to the fall general election, regardless of party affiliation.

While Radanovich brings the most experience as elected official into the race, The Bee Editorial Board found Tangipa more likely to listen to others and work with Democrats, a requirement for a Republican to have any legislative success in Sacramento.

The Editorial Board recommends David Tangipa for Assembly District 8.

Candidate profiles

Here are profiles of the two candidates:

David Tangipa, Republican: He grew up in the Sacramento area, the son of a fully disabled veteran father and a mother who was from the island nation of Tonga and had to learn English and the American way of life. Tangipa said his family was poor, but he was good at football, and in college got to play for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Growing up in low-income circumstances has given Tangipa a willingness to learn about others’ struggles and want to develop policies to help. Repeatedly during the interview with The Bee Editorial Board he referred to how he will listen to voters, community members and Democratic colleagues before deciding on positions.

He wants state government to be good at doing the basics. For example, he said the state should take the lead on reopening an emergency-care hospital in Madera. In contrast, the basics of government would not mean extending health insurance coverage to undocumented people, Tangipa said.

Tangipa sells real estate, and is a field representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, who is backing him.

Tangipa is also endorsed by Patterson, as well as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, current Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni and other county and state leaders.

George Radanovich, Republican: A native of Mariposa County who grew up on his family’s farm, Radanovich began elected service on that county’s Board of Supervisors. In 1994 he got elected to Congress and remained in the House of Representatives until resigning in 2010. He then operated a family retail business and became president of the California Fresh Fruit Association.

Radanovich is running now because “California is in a sorry state of affairs.”

His campaign, he explained, is “about undoing things,” specifically laws he thinks are harmful. He cited several, such as environmental requirements that hamper housing development and laws that reduced the penalties for committing crimes.

Radanovich believes many of California’s problems originate from “adverse childhood experiences,” such as divorce, violence in the home or neglect. He wants to author a bill that would have law enforcement, educators and health providers work with community groups to produce local plans meant to strengthen families.

He believes that idea would attract bipartisan support — “everybody loves kids.”

Spending reports

So far this year Radanovich reports on state forms that he has raised $208,400 and spent $214,000. He had $114,000 cash remaining as of June 30.

Tangipa reports raising $342,000 and spending $376,000. He had $140,000 cash on hand as of June 30.

Bee recommendation

The Bee Editorial Board supports thinning out of dead trees from Sierra forests to reduce fire danger, and that is a key part of Tangipa’s campaign. His family lost a home in the 2020 Creek Fire. As he says on his website: “It is time for common sense to dictate our policies. Log it, graze it, or watch it burn.”

Common sense is always in need in state politics. So is the ability to listen to members of the opposing party. Given the GOP’s superminority status in Sacramento, working with Democrats is a key to any Republican’s success. The Bee Editorial Board recommends that voters elect David Tangipa to represent them in Assembly District 8.