Governor Brown weighs in on Valley Senate race

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Governor Jerry Brown is running for his own re-election, but he's campaigning for Luis Chavez.

Political Science Professor Mike Lukens said, "The governor of course is going way in because of what's at stake."

Lukens says what's at stake is the democrats super majority in the California legislature, which allows them to pass legislation without any Republican votes. An important edge when the minority republicans rarely cross party lines. Chavez says having the Governor's support is a key to giving the valley a voice.

Chavez explained, "We've done a lot of work this past year we are proud to have the governor's endorsements I think it will benefit the Central Valley to have somebody that can go up there and have the ear of the governor."

For Andy Vidak, being a thorn in the side of the Democrats is important.

"They would love to have the supermajority but the supermajority is not best always for the Central Valley," said Vidak.

It's not just power, Lukens says pride is at stake for both parties.

Lukens explained, "The Democrats have a 20 point registration edge in the district and here it is a Republican has that seat so the Democrats want to get that seat back they see as theirs allow them to get a super majority and republicans want to hang on to stay relevant in the senate."

Each of the candidates has raised more than one million dollars in this race.