Fresno City Council candidate sparks controversy over sex offender status
by Mayra FrancoThu, February 26, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Updated Thu, February 26, 2026
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Several Fresno city leaders spoke out Thursday at City Hall over the candidacy of Rene Campos, a registered sex offender running for Fresno City Council District 7.
“It has come to my attention and even hit national news that we have a registered sex offender that is currently running for Fresno City Council. While I respect anybody's ability to serve our community, I find this quite disturbing,” said Councilmember Annalisa Perea.
Campos’ candidacy has sparked controversy within the public eye.
Councilmembers say they are considering legislation aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from holding public office.
“I think if you want to be an effective council member, you need, at the very least, to be able to go on school campuses. I would like to know that I can bring my children into City Hall,” Councilmember Perea said.
https://kmph.com/news/local/fresno-city-council-candidate-sparks-controversy-over-sex-offender-status