Nelson Esparza seeks Board of Equalization District 1 seat

Nelson Esparza, a Democrat and Fresno City Council member, is running for California State Board of Equalization District 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Republican Shannon Grove is also running for the seat, according to BallotReady election data.

Asked why he is running, Esparza said in our candidate questionnaire: "That work has shown me how directly tax policy determines whether schools, public safety, and infrastructure are funded, and how large corporations and the wealthy can navigate loopholes that working families and small businesses never even know exist. The Board of Equalization plays a real role in whether California's tax system treats people fairly. I'm running because that seat should be held by someone who will fight for working families and small businesses."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: Esparza said in our questionnaire: "I earned a B.A in Economics from UC Riverside and a Master of Public Policy from the UCLA Luskins School of Public Affairs."

Family: Esparza said in our questionnaire: "We're a small household of three, including our beautiful 8 year-old daughter. Beyond that, I'm the oldest of 5 children and have a large extended family that we love and enjoy spending time with."

Background: According to his campaign website, Esparza said Spanish was his first language and that he was raised by a single teen mother in Madera, spending his early years living with his grandparents.

Experience and public service

On previous offices, Esparza said in our questionnaire: "I was first elected to the Fresno County Board of Education in 2016. In 2018, I was elected to the Fresno City Council where I currently serve as City Council President. I currently chair the Finance and Audit Committee and Chair the EIFD Public Financing Authority. I also serve on the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation board."

Asked about his work history, Esparza said in our questionnaire: "In addition to my service in public office, I have had the privilege of teaching economics at Fresno City College for over a decade."

On the issues

Tax policy: According to his candidate statement filed with the California Secretary of State, Esparza said he will oppose new taxes on middle-class, working-class families and small businesses. He said he will fight to close tax loopholes, crack down on tax evaders and push for more transparency and fair property tax assessments.

What sets him apart: Esparza said in our questionnaire: "…I will continue to fight for working families and small businesses, and secure funding for the essential services Californians rely on by closing the loopholes large corporations and billionaires exploit so working people aren't left carrying an unfair share of the burden."

Accomplishments: Esparza said in our questionnaire: "As an economics instructor and Chair of the Fresno City Council's Finance and Audit Committee, I've spent years scrutinizing budgets, audits, and complex financial decisions, and I've helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in investments for our community."