Fresno City Council District 3 · Nov 3, 2026
Joaquin Arambula
Candidate for City Council District 3
Joaquin Arambula is running for Fresno City Council District 3 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Keshia Thomas.
Mail ballots start going out; early voting opens at the County Clerk's office · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayEmergency room physician who has served in the California Assembly since April 2016, representing the 31st Assembly District. He chaired the Assembly budget subcommittee on health and human services from 2016 to June 2023.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Doctor/Assemblymember
- Endorsed by
- Fresno Teachers Association, Fresno City Employees Association, Central Labor Council (notable endorsements as listed by Fresnoland). Fresnoland · May 8, 2026
- Campaign website
- www.drjoaquinarambula.com
Where Joaquin Arambula stands: positions on the record
Southeast Development Area (SEDA)2 sourced positions
Said he does not support SEDA in its current form and supports investing in existing neighborhoods.
“I do not support SEDA in its current form.”
Own statementThe Fresno Bee
As reported by The Fresno Bee; not a direct quote
At a Sept. 22, 2026 candidate forum, said he opposed SEDA.
Forum answerThe Fresno Bee · Sep 23, 2026
Housing3 sourced positions
As reported by The Fresno Bee; not a direct quote
At the Sept. 22, 2026 forum, said Fresno needs to build more densely.
Forum answerThe Fresno Bee · Sep 23, 2026
Opposes the proposed Elm Avenue industrial rezone in southwest Fresno.
“I’m against that Elm rezone as we can’t continue to pollute into an area that has such health disparities compared to the rest of the city”
Own statementFresnoland · May 8, 2026
In the Assembly, voted yes on SB 79, a state bill on housing development near transit (passed 43-19, September 2025).
Commission voteCalifornia Legislative Information · Sep 11, 2025
City budget1 sourced position
As reported by The Fresno Bee; not a direct quote
Asked where he would cut and add $1 million, said he would cut from the mayor's administration and add to the anti-violence program Advance Peace.
Forum answerThe Fresno Bee · Sep 23, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
Says housing for homeless residents must come with mental health, substance abuse and other services.
“Housing has to be coupled with mental health, substance abuse and other wrap around services that will ensure people are supported and remain housed.”
Own statementThe Fresno Bee
Renters1 sourced position
Supports the city's Eviction Protection Program and says it should be strengthened.
Own statementFresnoland · May 8, 2026
Transportation tax1 sourced position
Said he backs the Better Roads, Safe Streets initiative to replace Measure C, the countywide transportation sales tax.
“I have been supportive and involved with the Better Roads Safe Streets Initiative”
Own statementFresnoland · May 8, 2026
City Hall transparency1 sourced position
Supports an independent ethics commission and making council budget subcommittees follow the open-meetings law.
“would give the general public some confidence on city government”
Own statementFresnoland · May 8, 2026
Downtown and high-speed rail1 sourced position
Supports finishing high-speed rail and says downtown and Chinatown residents and small businesses must be protected from displacement.
“I believe High-Speed Rail will transform our Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods and improve our City’s economy, but we must protect existing neighbors and small businesses from being displaced.”
Own statementDr. Joaquin Arambula for Fresno City Council: Priorities
License-plate cameras1 sourced position
In the Assembly, voted yes on SB 274, a state bill on automated license plate recognition systems (passed 41-29, September 2025).
Commission voteCalifornia Legislative Information · Sep 13, 2025
Past candidacies3 sourced positions
Ran for State Assembly District 31 in 2024 as a Democratic candidate (won).
Own statementFresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters · Nov 5, 2024
Ran for State Assembly District 31 in 2022 as a Democratic candidate (won).
Own statementFresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters · Nov 8, 2022
Ran for State Assembly District 31 in 2018 as a Democratic candidate (won).
Own statementFresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters · Nov 6, 2018
What Joaquin Arambula said vs. how Joaquin Arambula voted
Housing
In their words
Opposes the proposed Elm Avenue industrial rezone in southwest Fresno.
May 8, 2026 ·Fresnoland · May 8, 2026
At the Sept. 22, 2026 forum, said Fresno needs to build more densely.
Sep 23, 2026 ·As reported by The Fresno Bee; not a direct quote ·The Fresno Bee · Sep 23, 2026
On the record
In the Assembly, voted yes on SB 79, a state bill on housing development near transit (passed 43-19, September 2025).
Sep 11, 2025 ·California Legislative Information · Sep 11, 2025
Also running for City Council District 3
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