In an unexpected and surprising move, Merced City Councilman Darin DuPont has announced his candidacy for the State Senate seat representing the 14th District.
DuPont enters the 2026 race as the only Republican candidate so far to challenge Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno) and Sanger City Councilwoman Esmeralda Hurtado who are vying to succeed Sen. Anna Caballero as she wraps up her final term in office.
District 14 covers much of Fresno and all of Madera and Merced. The district also includes part of Tulare County.
DuPont, an Atwater native and local attorney, was elected to represent District 1 on the Merced City Council in November 2024 — just 15 months ago — at the age of 28.
“I was raised in the Central Valley, and I know how hard our families work just to get by,” DuPont stated in a Feb. 12 press release that announced his Senate run. “My daughter deserves the same opportunities this Valley gave me. Safe communities, a strong economy, and the chance to build a life right here in California. I’m running to fight for affordability, restore accountability, protect our water, and make sure the next generation can thrive in the Central Valley.”
DuPont has titled his campaign: “New Generation for a Stronger Valley.”
Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones praised DuPont’s leadership and commitment to the region.
“Darin DuPont represents the next generation of strong, principled leadership California needs,” Jones said. “He understands the challenges facing working families and will be a powerful voice for affordability, water security, and common sense in Sacramento.”
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel, and Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress also released a joint statement:
“Darin understands the Central Valley because he is one of us. He knows our communities depend on reliable water, strong local economies, and leaders who will stand up to Sacramento when Valley interests are ignored. Darin DuPont will be a strong advocate for our region and the people we serve.”
Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke weighed in as well, emphasizing DuPont’s commitment to public safety and community values.
“Darin DuPont is a leader who listens, works hard, and puts his community first,” the sheriff said. “He understands the importance of safe communities, strong families, and protecting the Valley’s future. I am proud to support his campaign for State Senate.”
DuPont said his campaign will focus on meeting voters across the district and building a broad coalition of families, workers, farmers, and community leaders who want a stronger future for the Central Valley.
“This campaign is about the people of the valley and the future we want to build for our children,” DuPont said. “Together, we will restore balance and fight for the communities we call home.”
The challenger will have to contend with some daunting numbers. Democrats hold a double-digit advantage in voter registration in the district – 42 percent compared to 26.8 percent for Republicans. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by 4.12 percent over President Trump in 2024.
Meanwhile, the perceived frontrunner, Assemblywoman Soria, has a reported $734,000 in her campaign war chest.
The Times broke the news of DuPont’s candidacy for Senate through social media last Thursday, and the post received over 78,500 views, including 473 likes and 23 comments.
“I have known Darin from elementary school,” wrote Vanessa Conour. “His passion for our community has been a fixture of his character. He is invested in Merced county, and I stand behind him.”
Merced resident Amanda Day questioned DuPont’s motives in what has been a short political career so far. “So maybe two years of experience on the City Council qualifies him for a Senate position? Looks like Merced is putting up their conservative male candidates when we once had amazing strong Latina women in the Assembly and Senate, who worked hard for our District.”
A post attributed to Joanna Garcia Rose, who lost a bid for Assembly against Soria in 2024, stated: “Your opponent has a war chest, and plays as dirty as they come, but congratulations and thank you for your courage! God be with you! California deserves better and now they have a chance for change!”
DuPont is a Buhach Colony High School graduate who excelled in sports and academics. He graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with a B.S. in Public Administration. He attended law school at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Lawin Sacramento. He currently lives in Merced and works at a local law firm.
In an interview with the Times before his election to represent District 1 (South Merced) on the City Council, DuPont said he looked forward to public service at such an important and sensitive time.
“I think Merced is at a crossroads right now of who we can be,” he said. “We are at a very good spot to keep on growing and keep on being a light in the Central Valley. But we also have to put the work in. And I am willing, and I think I am able to put that work in to make sure that Merced is the best community in the Central Valley. … My wife and I are expecting our first child, and the decisions the city makes now will impact her life and will continue to impact her life for a long time. And so, I have that in the forefront of my mind when I am making decisions, or want to make decisions, or when I want to represent the community.”