This Fresno politician seeks donors’ help to stem the tide of socialism | Opinion
David Tangipa needs our help. Not only to ensure the Fresno Republican’s successful reelection to the state Assembly, but also to halt a growing political scourge.
A recent email from Tangipa’s reelection campaign lays out the mission. Its subject line: (siren emoji) Socialism is Spreading – We Must Stop It in California
“Friends,” Tangipa’s message begins. “The rise of socialism isn’t just a political trend – it’s a serious threat to our way of life.”
Tangipa represents north Fresno, Clovis, Sierra Nevada foothill and mountain communities across seven counties and Death Valley at the state capitol.
There are more tarantulas in his district than socialists, but let’s continue.
“This week, a self-described socialist, Zohran Mamdani, won the Democratic Primary election in New York,” the email says. “That might seem like a far-off headline – but make no mistake, the policies and ideology he represents are already making their way into California.”
Mamdani’s surprise victory in the New York mayoral primary over former governor Andrew Cuomo rocked the Democratic political establishment, no doubt.
For Republicans, even those 2,900 miles and three time zones away, it’s an opportunity to raise campaign funds by stoking fear.
“And unless we stop ignoring it and start confronting it head-on,” Tanigpa continues, “our state will follow the same failed path.”
Ah yes, the failed path of democratic socialism. Following in the footsteps of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Germany. Counties with universal health care, strong worker protections and that boast some of the highest living standards on the planet.
“As your Assemblyman, I’ve seen firsthand how these radical ideas take root: crushing taxes, government overreach, and policies that punish hard-working families and businesses.”
Among Mamdani’s more radical policies: raising taxes for corporations and the rich, making housing more affordable for the middle class and delivering “baby baskets” to new parents containing educational resources and necessities like diapers, wipes and swaddles.
Meanwhile, President Trump gave farmers a $28 billion bailout during his first term and now wants to give every newborn a $1,000 investment account.
So much socialism is happening these days, it’s hard to keep track.
“I’m fighting every day to protect the values that make California worth fighting for – freedom, opportunity, and local control,” the email continues.
Tangipa: I can’t combat socialism alone
Tanigpa has been our assemblyman for all of seven months. His first authored bill got passed last week: a declaration designating May 2025 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month.
“But I can’t do it alone.”
Uh oh. Here comes the sales pitch.
“If you believe in stopping the spread of socialism in California – if you believe in standing up for common sense – I need your help right now,” the 29-year-old lawmaker says.
“California conservatives are the frontline to combating crazy, but we can’t do it alone.”
Registered Republicans account for 44.3% of the electorate in Assembly District 8, according to the latest voter registration data, compared to 29.6% Democrats.
Other suspected socialists, members of the Green Party and Peace and Freedom Party, make up less than 1% of the vote.
“This fight isn’t theoretical anymore,” Tanigpa said. “It’s happening. And we have a choice: sit back and watch, or step up and lead.”
If this is starting to sound like a football coach’s halftime speech, well, there’s a reason.
“I’m choosing to fight,” the email concludes. “I hope you’ll stand with me.”
To all the socialist insurgents lurking in north Fresno, Clovis and the Sierra foothills, you’ve been warned.
