Nelson Esparza
Democratic · CA · Member, Fresno City Council
Nelson Esparza has served on the Fresno City Council since 2018, chairs its Finance and Audit Committee, and describes himself as an educator and economist. He says he will close tax loopholes, crack down on tax evaders, and oppose new taxes on working families and small businesses.
Where Nelson Esparza stands, based on their records
Supports
Anti-Corruption (1 record)
Track record
Track record — Anti-Corruption
Anti-Corruption · 1 support
As council president, made the motion ordering an outside forensic audit of spending from council members' district office budgets. It passed 7-0.
March 24, 2022Supports Anti-Corruption
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Track record — General
General · 17 records
As council president, made the motion to adopt a Fresno ordinance requiring tobacco retailers to hold a city license. It passed 6-1.
August 27, 2026
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
As council president, moved to put a half-cent city sales tax for public safety, infrastructure and city services on the November 2026 ballot, with a citizens oversight committee. It passed 6-1.
July 30, 2026
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Moved to ask voters to create a citizens redistricting advisory commission for Fresno council districts. His motion failed 3-4.
July 30, 2026
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Voted against tabling a proposed charter amendment to bar city debt and general fund money for the Southeast Development Area. The council tabled it 4-3.
July 30, 2026
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Was elected president of the Fresno City Council on a 7-0 vote, after serving as vice president.
March 19, 2026
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Was endorsed by the California Democratic Party for Board of Equalization District 1.
February 23, 2026
Source: sjvsun.com
Made the motion to adopt a Fresno ordinance regulating the sale of kratom products, including a limit on the potent compound 7-OH. It passed 6-0.
December 4, 2025
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Voted against introducing Fresno's sidewalk vending ordinance, which set rules for street food and other vendors. It passed 4-3.
November 21, 2024
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Cast the only no vote against a new definition of the highest-need neighborhoods that get priority for Measure P parks sales tax money. It passed 6-1.
November 21, 2024
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Voted against a motion to reject $16.45 million in state Homekey funds for the Fresno Quality affordable housing project on North Thesta Street. The rejection passed.
December 7, 2023
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Voted against applying for state Homekey money to build permanent affordable housing for homeless residents at 6507 North Polk Avenue. The proposal failed 2-4.
April 20, 2023
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
The Fresno County District Attorney dismissed an attempted extortion case against him that stemmed from his dealings with then-City Attorney Douglas Sloan. The office said it dropped the case in the interest of justice after he gave a statement acknowledging his actions.
December 5, 2022
Source: fresnocountyca.gov
As council president, made the motion to adopt Fresno's city budget for fiscal year 2023. It passed 7-0.
June 30, 2022
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Was elected president of the Fresno City Council on a 5-1 vote. At the same meeting he voted against ending the city's COVID-19 ban on commercial evictions, which failed 2-3.
January 13, 2022
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Was elected vice president of the Fresno City Council for 2021.
January 7, 2021
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Voted against the "Help Us, Help Fresno" resolution, a city initiative to address panhandling. It passed 4-3.
August 22, 2019
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Made the motion for a Fresno City Council resolution backing Fresno County's sale of the former University Medical Center site for affordable housing. It passed 5-0.
August 15, 2019
Source: legistar2.granicus.com
Past race Nelson Esparza ran in:
- Member, State Board of Equalization, District 1 · November 3, 2026 · State Board of Equalization District 1