Buddy Mendes retiring from Fresno County Board of Supervisors, endorsing Margaret Mims to fill seat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election for his District 4 seat next year.

"I will stay on clear to the end so I'll have 12 years that I was a County Supervisor," Mendes said.

Mendes stood side by side with former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims as they announced she will be running in his place.

"I am fully endorsing her to my utmost, and I think she'll do a great job," Mendes said about Mims.

Mims is a Valley native who served over 40 years in law enforcement across the region, 16 of those years as the sheriff.

"She knows the county, and that's something that most people, when they come into this office, don't have a clue what to do and Margaret has more than a clue what to do," he explained.

Mims debuted her campaign poster, thanking Mendes for his support.

"I'll take care of district four and the county of Fresno," Mims said.

Mims retired from the Sheriff's Office in 2023; returning to public service now because of her love for it.

"Even though I've been asked to run for state and federal office, it's not for me. It takes me away from the direct public contact that I get so much enjoyment out of," she explained.

Mendes's seat spans from Orange Cove to Coalinga, and Mims says she's seen every part of the district.

"I know what people want," she stated. "We all want the same thing. First of all, we want to be safe. It should be no surprise to you that public safety is very important to me."

The election rolls around next summer.

State Center Community College Trustee, Danielle Parra, and Parlier Mayor, Alma Beltran, have also filed for the supervisor's seat.

Mims says her next steps will be making phone calls, fundraising, and campaigning.

Meanwhile, Mendes is looking forward to spending more time on his farm with his family.

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