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These are some of the top priorities our campaign is focused on.

Melissa Hurtado has fought to:

Lower prices of gas and groceries by combating price fixing

Build housing that working families can afford

Help 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 combat addiction and reduce drug overdoses

Fund public schools to ensure Valley kids can thrive

Improve healthcare access throughout the Valley

Raise wages by providing tax credits for farms and farmworkers

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<h4 style="text-align: left;">Please join Senate Democrats, Pro Tem Monique Limón and Local Labor Allies to support of Senator Melissa Hurtado.</h4><h4>GOTV CAVASS</h4><h4>Saturday, May 30th</h4><h4>10:00 AM</h4><h4>LOCATION PROVIDED UPON RSVP </h4>

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"Central Valley veterans served our country honorably, but we’re not doing enough to help.&nbsp; I’m fighting to change that.” - Senator Melissa Hurtado

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<h3>Fair</h3>State Senator Melissa Hurtado fought to reduce child hunger, expand Medi-Cal, crack down on price gouging and opposed every gas tax hike.

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En representación de una nueva generación de líderes políticas latinas, la senadora estatal Melissa Hurtado es la mujer más joven elegida para el Senado estatal de California. Su distrito del Senado, en el gran Valle Central de California, es el hogar de algunas de las tierras agrícolas más ricas y fértiles del mundo, uno de los principales condados productores de petróleo de los Estados Unidos y familias de clase trabajadora resistentes que impulsan la economía del Valle.Melissa, producto de padres inmigrantes trabajadores, creció en el pequeño pueblo rural de Sanger, ubicado en las afueras de Fresno, en el corazón del Valle. Aprendió de primera mano de sus padres que el trabajo duro, una buena educación y la perseverancia son fundamentales para el éxito. Melissa es la primera de su familia en graduarse de la universidad. Después de graduarse de la Universidad Estatal de Sacramento, Melissa regresó a su hogar en el Valle para servir a su comunidad y construir una vida mejor para las familias del Valle. Abogó por maestros, pacientes y familias trabajadoras, ayudando a liderar la lucha por buenos salarios, acceso a atención médica de calidad y seguridad para la jubilación.Melissa fue elegida para el Concejo Municipal de Sanger en 2016. Representando con orgullo a su ciudad natal, trabajó en colaboración con los líderes de la ciudad para ayudar a crear empleos con salarios altos, equilibrar el presupuesto de la ciudad y construir una reserva financiera, todo sin aumentar los impuestos.Dos años después, Melissa asumió un desafío aún mayor, postulándose para el Senado estatal contra un titular republicano bien conocido y bien financiado. A pesar de lo que parecían probabilidades poco realistas, se convirtió en la mujer más joven elegida al Senado del Estado de California en 2018.&nbsp;En la Legislatura, Melissa es conocida por ser una formuladora de políticas reflexiva, pragmática y eficaz que trabaja a través de las líneas partidistas para mejorar la calidad de vida de los residentes y garantizar que las voces rurales se escuchen en todos los niveles del gobierno. Se centra en los problemas de las comunidades rurales que a menudo no se escuchan en el Capitolio del estado: acceso a aire y agua limpios, inseguridad alimentaria y pobreza, desigualdades en las políticas ambientales, agricultura y acceso a la atención médica en las comunidades rurales. Melissa fue una voz crítica en la conformación de la legislación de agua limpia asequible y segura de California.

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"The Central Valley is my home— that’s why I’m fighting for our families and our future.” - Melissa

"The Central Valley is my home— that’s why I’m fighting for our families and our future.” - Melissa

Representing a new generation of Latina political leaders, State Senator Melissa Hurtado is the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate. Her Senate district — in California’s great Central Valley — is home to some of the richest and most fertile farmland in the world, one of the top oil-producing counties in the United States and resilient working-class families who power the Valley economy.&nbsp;The daughter of hardworking immigrant parents, Melissa grew up in the Valley. She learned firsthand from her parents that hard work, a good education and perseverance is fundamental to success. Melissa is the first from her family to graduate from college. After graduating from Sacramento State University, Melissa returned home to the Valley to serve her community and build a better life for Valley families. She advocated for teachers, patients and working families — helping lead the fight for good wages, access to quality health care and retirement security.Melissa was elected to the Sanger City Council in 2016. Proudly representing her hometown, she worked collaboratively with city leaders to help create high-wage jobs, balance the city’s budget and build a financial reserve — all without raising taxes.&nbsp;Two years later Melissa took on an even greater challenge, running for State Senate against a well-known and well-financed Republican incumbent. Despite what seemed like unrealistic odds, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate in 2018.In the Legislature, Melissa is known for being a thoughtful, pragmatic, and effective policymaker who works across party lines to improve the quality of life for residents and to ensure rural voices are heard at all levels of government. She focuses on rural community issues that often go unheard in the State Capitol — access to clean air and water, food insecurity and poverty, inequities in environmental policies, agriculture and access to health care in rural communities. Melissa was a critical voice in the shaping of California’s Safe and Affordable Clean Water legislation.

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"High prices hurt families. I’m fighting to bring prices down.” - Senator Melissa Hurtado

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<a href="mailto:info@melissahurtado.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">info@melissahurtado.com</a>Valley Families for Melissa Hurtado for Senate 2026PO Box 9205, Bakersfield, CA 93389For Media or Press Inquiries, email us at: <a href="mailto:Media@melissahurtado.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Media@melissahurtado.com</a>

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“Like most of the kids I knew growing up in the Central Valley, I didn’t have much. My parents were immigrants, 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.”

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Get The Facts</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/68cf4a46-d4a8-439a-ba5a-00a5d9ca9081/fa055eac-f2ac-431e-ac31-631b7bc17557/fa055eac-f2ac-431e-ac31-631b7bc17557.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2426%2C1316&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"><a href="/source-document.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>

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"When I was first elected to the State Senate, I made a promise to fight for working families of the Central Valley—and I’ve kept that promise.From expanding access to clean water and healthcare to holding powerful special interests accountable, I’ve delivered for our communities. But there’s more to do—and I’m ready to keep fighting. I’m running for re-election because the Valley deserves leadership that listens and delivers. I’d be honored to have your support."-Senator Melissa Hurtado

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Melissa Hurtado is fighting to lower the cost of living for California families by tackling inflated utility bills, preventing unnecessary fees, and holding corporations accountable. She’s focused on practical solutions that put more money back into your pocket.<ul><li>Protecting Access to Water: The Preventing Artificial Water Shortages Act (SB 224) ensures more water stays in the Central Valley by improving forecasting and preventing wasteful releases to the ocean.</li><li>Lowering Energy Bills: The Home Energy Savings Expansion Act (SB 647) simplifies access to low-income energy programs, helping families save on utilities while promoting clean energy.</li><li>Protecting Consumers from Surprise Debt: The Credit Score Protection Act (SB 706) stops debt from being resold without notice and empowers consumers to rebuild their credit.</li></ul>

Expanding healthcare access has been central to Senator Hurtado’s work. She authored SB 367, the Campus Opioid Safety Act, requiring colleges to distribute naloxone and train students to save lives during overdoses. She also pass legislation to give community colleges the authority to prioritize nursing program admissions for local underserved students, strengthening the future healthcare workforce in the Central Valley. In addition, she co-authored SB 1300, ensuring communities receive timely notice before hospital or emergency room closures. Beyond legislation, she secured funding to expand residency programs and mobile health clinics in her district, bringing services directly to rural families. These efforts reflect her commitment to addressing shortages in care and ensuring access to critical health services.

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<a href="https://legiscan.com/CA/bill/SB556/2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Legislation</a>&nbsp;that aims to reduce downstream disasters by funding floodplain restoration projects in Kern, Tulare and Kings counties was introduced March 28 in the California Senate.Author Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) proposes funneling $43 million toward floodplain acquisition, habitat restoration and conservation projects:$2 million for enhancement of Panorama Vista Preserve along the Kern River in Bakersfield.

Hurtado's Bill Seeks More Funds to Protect South Valley From Floods

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Aviation Coalition Supports California Fuel Tax Bill

BAKERSFIELD, CA (KERO) — Senator Melissa Hurtado's legislative package focuses on affordability, water management, and support for small businesses as it moves to the assembly.Key measures include increasing water management transparency and investing in floodplain restoration.The Aero Act will allocate aviation fuel tax revenue for regional airport infrastructure improvements.New antitrust measures will strengthen penalties for violations and protect small businesses

Hurtado’s ‘Common Sense Plan’ bills advance to California Assembly

Sen. Melissa Hurtado promotes SB 661 during a press conference at Meadows Field Airport, saying bill will bring many opportunities to Bakersfield and Kern County.<ul><li>Hurtado refers to SB 661 as a common sense bill that will be paid with existing taxes.</li><li>Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh says Bakersfield is growing and SB 661 is needed for the airport to catch up to that growth.</li></ul>BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:Senator Melissa Hurtado held a press conference at Meadows Field Airport because she said she wanted to focus on the good that SB 661 will bring. The bill is for financial assistance to airports, specifically Meadows Field. I'm Steve Virgen, your neighborhood reporter. Hurtado referred to SB 661 as a common sense bill.Continue watchingTaft College celebrates TIL program graduatesafter the adHurtado tells me she knows California will have its budget deficits. She says that’s why SB 661 makes sense. She says the money will come from existing taxes. She adds the bill is expected to attract new airlines to Meadows Field and more commercial flights.“You have to be able to kind of think outside the box. Just things that make sense. You don’t have to create an additional tax to try to support a new program. These are existing dollars. It’s just common sense for it to come back. There’s no reason why it should be going elsewhere,” Hurtado says.Hurtado also talked about Kern County’s growth and people continuing to move to the area. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh also referred to that. They both also talked about the importance of Meadows Field Airport when the Olympics come to Los Angeles in 2028.“Today we are celebrating the sound of something better. And, indeed this bill is the sound of something better. Bakersfield is growing fast. And this bill, SB 661, helps our airport keep up with that growth," Goh said.Hurtado says SB 661 will bring jobs and make a positive economic impact on Bakersfield and Kern County. She added that times are tough, but the Central Valley can endure it.“I don’t want to be status quo and stay and give up. We’re just not that kind of people in the Central Valley. We know that when times get tough, we come to our feet and then we get back up and we keep on fighting,” Hurtado says.SB 661’s status is listed as “In Assembly. Held at Desk,” as of June 5.“And this is just one part of the picture. This alone is not going to solve all the problems, but it’s going to provide so many opportunities for so many families if we can get this done,” Hurtado says.Meadows Field is empty now, but perhaps soon it will be bustling. For 23 ABC, I'm Steve Virgen, your neighborhood reporter.

Sen. Melissa Hurtado promotes SB 661 during a press conference at Meadows Field Airport, saying bill will bring many opportunities to Bakersfield and Kern County.Hurtado refers to SB 661 as a common sense bill that will be paid with existing taxes.Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh says Bakersfield is growing and SB 661 is needed for the airport to catch up to that growth.

Sen. Hurtado promotes SB 661 at Meadows Field Airport

State Senators, Labor, Tribal, and Public Safety Leaders Join Local Elected Officials and Volunteers in Massive Get-Out-The-Vote Rally and Canvass Across the Central ValleyBAKERSFIELD, CA — With Election Day just three days away, Senator Melissa Hurtado was joined by nearly 200 supporters today for a get-out-the-vote rally and district canvassing — a powerful demonstration of the broad coalition of community and labor leaders backing her ahead of Tuesday's vote.The event was headlined by California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, who traveled to the Central Valley to rally support for Senator Hurtado in the final stretch of the campaign. Also in attendance were Senators Grayson, Padilla, Cervantes, Ashby, Cabaldon, Becker, Cortese, Richardson, Perez, and Menjivar, an extraordinary show of support from Senate colleagues in the final days before the election.The rally opened with a welcome prayer by Leo Sisco, Chairman of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, reflecting the deep community ties Senator Hurtado has built across the region.&nbsp;Labor also turned out in force, with more than 100 union members representing the Laborers, the Building Trades, United Domestic Workers, Kern County Fire, and the Carpenters knocking on doors. At the rally, speakers included Tanya Salina, President of the Kern Inyo Mono Central Labor Council; Alissa Reed, Executive Secretary of the Kern Inyo Mono Building Trades; and Pete Rodriguez, Second General Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Doug McCarron, General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, was also in attendance. Additionally, local elected officials joined the rally, rounding out a coalition of labor, volunteers, and community leaders all united behind Senator Hurtado heading into Tuesday."When I was first elected to the State Senate, I made a promise to fight for working families of the Central Valley, and I've kept that promise," said Senator Melissa Hurtado. "From expanding access to clean water and healthcare to holding powerful special interests accountable, I've delivered for our communities. But there's more to do. Today we had nearly 200 people show up to knock doors, and that tells me everything I need to know. We will carry this momentum through election day and deliver for working families.”Canvassers knocked on doors across Kern Country, including in Bakersfield, Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Wasco, Lamont, Arvin.&nbsp;###Photos from the event are attached.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/68cf4a46-d4a8-439a-ba5a-00a5d9ca9081/3c8191ee-4483-467f-ac1c-2dd454d5214c/3c8191ee-4483-467f-ac1c-2dd454d5214c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C1344%2C4032%2C1680&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/68cf4a46-d4a8-439a-ba5a-00a5d9ca9081/11a52645-f6b4-4bf2-b6c2-491ee1ec1b49/11a52645-f6b4-4bf2-b6c2-491ee1ec1b49.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C3448%2C4284%2C2264&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/68cf4a46-d4a8-439a-ba5a-00a5d9ca9081/8efb27ab-7c63-4d15-9a3b-0cd8d62a3f67/8efb27ab-7c63-4d15-9a3b-0cd8d62a3f67.heic?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C1628%2C2749%2C2010&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/68cf4a46-d4a8-439a-ba5a-00a5d9ca9081/0ffb38e3-7a43-4cb8-a62e-e54c928097ce/0ffb38e3-7a43-4cb8-a62e-e54c928097ce.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C1407%2C1980%2C1460&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Senator Melissa Hurtado Draws Nearly 200 Supporters For Final Push Ahead of Tuesday's Election

Hurtado has delivered historic infrastructure investments to her district. In 2022, she secured $56 million for new police and fire stations, emergency operations centers, and life-saving equipment in small cities like Lindsay, Porterville, and McFarland. She also won $1 million for rural roadway repairs in Tulare County, improving safety on neglected roads. Hurtado carried legislation to ratify new tribal gaming compacts that will create thousands of jobs and new economic opportunities. She also authored SB 577, now law, which supports firefighter training and strengthens rural fire departments. Her transparency package in 2024 included SB 1151, SB 1155, and SB 1156, all aimed at improving accountability in government and water management. Together, these investments and reforms demonstrate her commitment to safe, strong, and thriving communities in the Central Valley.

Building Safe and Strong Communities

Thank You Senate District 16! Serving the people of the Central Valley and the 16th Senate District is the honor of my life. I do this work because I believe every family deserves the opportunity to succeed. Families should be able to afford their bills, access quality healthcare, send their children to strong schools, live in safe communities, and build a future right here in the Valley.I am deeply grateful for the support voters have shown our campaign. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, knocked on doors, and put their faith in our vision for the Valley. I am honored by the trust voters have placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to continue this campaign. We have delivered real results for the Central Valley, but there is more work ahead. I look forward to earning the support of voters across the district and will keep fighting every day for lower costs, better healthcare, safer communities, and greater opportunity for Valley families.-Melissa Hurtado

Thank You Senate District 16!

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Senator Melissa Hurtado's legislative package focuses on affordability, water management, and support for small businesses as it moves to the assembly.Key measures include increasing water management transparency and investing in floodplain restoration.The Aero Act will allocate aviation fuel tax revenue for regional airport infrastructure improvements.New antitrust measures will strengthen penalties for violations and protect small businesses

Hurtado has been a strong advocate for immigrant and farmworker families. She introduced SB 245, the Food for All Act, to extend food benefits to all Californians regardless of immigration status. While full passage is pending, her leadership secured $40 million in the state budget to begin expanding CalFood benefits to undocumented seniors and children. She also authored SB 628, the Human Right to Food Act, which established in state law that every Californian has the right to sufficient and healthy food. Hurtado has spoken out against surprise immigration enforcement sweeps in her district, defending families’ rights to access schools, clinics, and public spaces without fear. Through legislation and advocacy, she has worked to ensure that no family goes hungry or without support because of immigration status.

Supporting Immigrant Families and Food Security

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Melissa Hurtado is fighting to protect Californians from corporate greed, government inaction, and unfair pricing. She’s making sure powerful interests play by the rules.<ul><li>Stopping Price Gouging: Cracks down on AI pricing tools that secretly raise costs for consumers.</li><li>Ending Conflicts of Interest: Requires state officials to report their financial interests in real time.</li><li>Reining in Bureaucrats: Adds oversight to state boards that impact consumers and the environment.</li><li>Protecting Your Privacy: Makes companies notify you quickly if your personal data is breached.</li><li>Standing Up to Big Business: Fights illegal price-fixing that hurts small businesses and families.</li></ul>

Senator Hurtado has championed environmental justice and water equity for Central Valley communities. She helped deliver $40 million for the Food for All initiative, ensuring families do not go hungry or without clean water during climate crises. She secured funding for critical water projects, including $1 million to launch the Tombstone Territory water project in Fresno County, which now delivers clean drinking water to families with failing wells.She has also been a strong voice for climate resilience, introducing SB 556 to promote floodplain restoration and groundwater recharge. She authored the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Act (SB 892), which protects water and food systems from cyberattacks. Her leadership has consistently focused on ensuring disadvantaged rural communities are not left behind in California’s environmental and water policies.

Protecting Water &amp; Environment

Senator Melissa Hurtado is delivering real results for the Central Valley by putting people first by protecting public health, ensuring access to clean water and affordable food, supporting frontline workers, and strengthening local infrastructure. From expanding Valley Fever screenings and modernizing airport access, to increasing firefighter training and fair pay for farm workers.<ul><li>Protecting Public Health: The Valley Fever Early Detection Act expands screenings and insurance coverage to catch the disease early and protect farmworkers, families, and frontline communities across the Central Valley.</li><li>Fighting Hunger and Supporting Local Agriculture: The GROW Act advances access to affordable, locally grown food and strengthens California’s commitment to food security—because no one should go hungry in the state that feeds the nation.</li><li>Standing Up for Farmworkers: The Farmworker Pay Fairness Act ensures essential agricultural workers receive fair pay while allowing flexible work schedules—protecting those who power our food system.</li></ul>

Senator Hurtado has been a leading voice for protecting California’s farmland and supporting rural communities. She authored the Food and Farm Security Act (SB 1084), which aimed to prevent foreign governments from buying agricultural land. While the Governor vetoed the bill in 2022, her persistent advocacy elevated the issue nationally, leading to greater oversight of farmland acquisitions.As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she also secured $100 million in state funding to repair irrigation canals, safeguarding water supplies for growers. Through these efforts, Hurtado has strengthened California agriculture and the rural economy.Additionally, Senator Hurtado successfully passed SB 1448 to extend the Farm to Community Food Hub Program and support the Agricultural Land Equity Task Force, ensuring more opportunities for small farmers.

Strengthening Agriculture

FARMERSVILLE, Calif. (FOX26) — Farmersville celebrated the opening of its new Fire Station 83 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Sen. Melissa Hurtado, city leaders, and Tulare County officials.The station's construction was funded by $7 million secured by Hurtado in the 2022 state budget.

Farmersville unveils new fire station with state funding boost

Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) has been named the recipient of the 2026 LocalMotion Elected Official of the Year by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG). The Senator’s focus on transportation priorities in the Central Valley has led to improved safety, increased economic vitality and critical infrastructure investments.The award honors elected leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing transportation solutions that improve quality of life, support economic growth and address the long-term mobility needs of their communities.“From the very beginning, I saw the neglect that this region faced and knew we had to do something about it,” Senator Hurtado said. “I heard stories from families, workers, farmers and local leaders across the Central Valley about decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure. We could not continue down that path. That’s why I have made transportation and critical infrastructure a priority. Central Valley families deserve safe roads, strong communities and every opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”Since Taking office in 2019, Senator Hurtado has championed transportation investments across Senate District 16. Specifically, her hard work has helped to secure funding for local roads, airports, freight movement and highway improvements. Her leadership has led to nearly $5 billion in state investments benefiting communities throughout her district.Among her longstanding transportation priorities has been the effort to “Finish What We Started”, a decades-long push to complete the widening of Highway 99 and eliminate remaining bottlenecks along one of California’s most important transportation corridors.“TCAG chose to honor Senator Hurtado as our 2026 Outstanding Elected Official because of her long-standing support for transportation projects that improve highway safety, and in particular her support for widening highway 99,” Ted Smalley, TCAG Executive Director said. “Senator Hurtado was the only state Legislator to personally appear at the California Transportation Commission asking for additional money to finish what we started.”Senator Hurtado has worked alongside local, regional and state leaders to advocate for funding to widen critical segments of Highway 99, and to secure state budget investments for long-overdue improvements in Tulare County.Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

TCAG names Senator Hurtado as 2026 LocalMotion Elected Official of the Year

Ag overtime tax credit returns as lawmakers seek relief for growers

The daughter of immigrant parents, Democratic Senator Melissa Hurtado was born and raised in the Central Valley. She started out as an organizer, working to expand access to health care for Valley families.  In the State Senate, Hurtado secured critical funding for clean and safe drinking water and strengthened public safety and fire protection. She is leading the fight to ban corrupt financial conflicts of interest for state officials, and to protect workers and consumers from corporations trying to profit illegally off Valley families. Vote Melissa Hurtado for State Senate

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