Fresno's GOP mayor endorses Democrat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin crossed party lines and endorsed a Democratic candidate for county supervisor.

Fresno City Councilmember Blong Xiong is running for District One Supervisor against Brian Pacheco. Xiong sought and received the Republican mayor's endorsement.

They don't always see eye to eye at City Hall but Mayor Swearengin embraced councilmember Xiong's campaign for supervisor. Swearengin said, "I have to say he took a fair amount of political flak from people in his base about asking for my support."

Swearengin is a Republican running for State Controller. Xiong is a Democrat. They endorsed each other. Xiong said, "I think we should have a valley representative that's going to fight for our cause and the mayor has shown that and that's why she has garnered my support."

Xiong won the June primary by just 8 votes over fellow Democrat Brian Pacheco. The Kerman dairy farmer has also found support from Republicans like Supervisor Phil Larson and Assemblyman Jim Patterson.

Swearengin recently served as keynote speaker at the GOP state convention. But she angered Republicans when she refused to endorse gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari. Swearengin said, "I regret that my decision to be independent created some wrinkles for the party this weekend but in the end I have to do what i feel is the right thing to do."

Swearengin said her moderate approach focuses on what's best for her constituents. "Sometimes political parties may get a little frustrated by that kind of approach."

Swearengin was endorsed by the Los Angeles Times this week.

Her opponent Betty Yee is a member of the State Board of Equalization. Yee picked up endorsements from the Fresno Police Officers Association and the Nisei Farmers League.