There are many interesting developments in the new maps for residents of the Central Valley, particularly at the Congressional level. The first thing I took note of was the newly drawn Fresno Congressional District.
Having attended Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearingen’s State of the City speech a few weeks ago, it struck me that Republicans have a real all-star on their hands. When I saw the Fresno district, I couldn’t help but think what would happen if the Mayor decided to run for that seat.
Her polling numbers are said to be off the charts with favorable ratings in the seventies. With a new seat sitting directly over her main constituencies, she would be very tough to beat.
If asked today, I’m sure the Mayor would say she’s focused on the needs of her city and that’s where she wants to spend her energies. But you can’t deny that being an all-star in the Congressional House Majority in a “safe” Republican seat is an opportunity hard to pass up.
Time will tell where the Mayor’s path lies. But, one thing is for certain: It’s a new world with new maps. Maybe we will see new candidates jumping in that might have passed on the chance in years past.