MELISSA HURTADO has represented the Central Valley in the State Senate  since 2018. She has earned a reputation for working across party lines as a  champion for working families and an opponent of special interests. Melissa was born and raised in the Valley and previously served as a local City  Councilmember and healthcare advocate. 

She has championed legislation to: 

• LOWER THE COST OF GAS AND GROCERIES by combating price fixing.

• BUILD HOUSING that working families can afford.

• HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES cut red tape and create good-paying jobs.

• INVEST IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE to help farms and lower prices.

• FIGHT CRIME by fully funding local law enforcement and  combating addiction.

• FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS to ensure Valley children can thrive.

As Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4, Melissa has helped deliver  funding and investments for local schools, police and fire departments,  roads, water infrastructure, healthcare, and job training.

Melissa is endorsed by: 

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

California Professional Firefighters

California Teachers Association 

California  Nurses Association 

California State Retirees

United Nurses Associations of California

“Like most of the kids I knew growing up in the Central Valley, I didn’t have much. My parents were working hard every day on farms. What I had was a  belief in the future: that tomorrow could be better than today if I worked hard.  My parents gave me my values, and the Valley gave me opportunity. 

That’s why I serve in the State Senate — because I want every child to have the opportunity to succeed. I’m fighting to support our schools, create  high-paying jobs, and improve affordability because I know that if we work  together, the Valley has a bright future.”

— State Senator Melissa Hurtado