State Senator, District 16

Guillermo Gonzalez is a Republican. He works as a field representative for Congressman David Valadao. He also co-owns two family restaurants, the Idle Spur Cafe in McFarland and Guillermo's Steakhouse in Delano. He was born in Bakersfield and raised in Mexico. He came back as a teen to finish high school in Bakersfield.

He says the Valley gave his family hope and opportunity. He says that promise is now in danger. He has not held elected office. What is documented about him is his campaign platform and his life story, not a voting record.

He promises to give local people more say over water, energy and school choices. He wants to cut rules on small businesses. He says he wants to make owning a home affordable, and to hold government accountable to Valley families.

Melissa Hurtado is a Democrat and the sitting State Senator for this district. She became the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate. She chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. She has focused her work on water and groundwater rules for the Valley, including a flood-protection bill.

She says hard work should pay off. She says she is fighting for fairness and opportunity for Valley families. In 2023 she left her Senate work to run for Congress in the 22nd District. She finished fourth in the March 2024 primary with about 15% of the vote. She conceded, and said she remained committed to Valley priorities like water rights as state senator.

She promises to crack down on price gouging and hold utility firms accountable for higher bills. Her priorities include water security for farmers, more firefighter training, wildfire prevention funding, and help with Valley Fever.