July 10, 2025 – A familiar face in Clovis, Marine Corps and Army veteran Lorenzo Rios, has officially declared his intention to challenge long-serving Congressman Jim Costa for the District 21 seat in 2026. Rios, a prominent figure in our community as the CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, announced his candidacy this week. His platform centers on strengthening the economy, enhancing neighborhood safety, and expanding opportunities for families right here in the Valley. Rios’s deep roots in the area include prior roles at Fresno State and Valley PBS, along with extensive involvement in various community service initiatives.
This upcoming election pits a dedicated Clovis resident against an incumbent who has served multiple terms. Representative Costa, a Democrat, is currently seeking his twelfth term. In the 2024 election, he secured a victory over Republican Michael Maher. District 21 encompasses portions of both Fresno and Tulare counties, with voter registration leaning Democratic. Campaign finance reports indicate that Congressman Costa has a significant amount of cash on hand, with recent figures through June 30 showing over $400,000. Rios’s campaign financials have not yet been released.
In other significant local news, the Clovis City Council has taken decisive action, unanimously appointing members to two crucial committees: the Measure Y Oversight Committee and the General Plan Advisory Committee.
The Measure Y Oversight Committee, created to ensure transparent spending of the 1% sales tax increase approved by Clovis voters last November, will be comprised of five community members. Each councilmember made a selection, bringing together a diverse group of local individuals. This committee will play a vital role in ensuring that these new funds are used effectively for the benefit of our city.
Furthermore, the City Council approved the appointments for the General Plan Advisory Committee. This 15-member committee, along with two nonvoting youth representatives, will embark on a three-year journey to revise the city’s general plan – the foundational guideline for land use and future development in Clovis. With over 50 applicants vying for a spot, the city staff made recommendations from a wide range of sectors including development, business, public organizations, and community service. This committee’s work is essential for shaping the future growth and character of our beloved city, with the final plan adoption slated for 2027.
Finally, the City Council also made key financial decisions aimed at supporting city employees and bolstering public safety. Unanimous approval was given to raises for nonrepresented management, with a 3% increase for fiscal year 2025-26 and an additional 2% for the following two years. Our police and fire departments will also see an increase in their uniform allowance, receiving an additional $500 to bring the total to $2,000, along with other benefits. The total investment for these employee benefits over three years is $3.9 million. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of significant new equipment for the Clovis Fire Department, including a new engine pumper for $1.2 million and a fire truck for $2.3 million, further enhancing our city’s emergency response capabilities.