Is Fresno California a Liberal City?
Fresno, California is located in the San Joaquin Valley in the heart of Central California. It is the fifth-largest city in the state and the largest inland city in California. Fresno has a population of around 520,000 people, making it the 34th largest city in the United States. So, is Fresno a liberal city? The answer depends on who you ask.
Political Demographics of Fresno
Fresno is located in Fresno County, which is heavily Republican. In the 2020 presidential election, Fresno County voted for Donald Trump by a margin of 57.6% to 40.3%. The county has a history of voting Republican in presidential elections, going back to the 1980 election. So, it’s safe to say that Fresno is a conservative city, at least in terms of presidential elections.
However, when it comes to local politics, the picture is a bit more complicated. The city of Fresno has a strong Democratic presence, with the Democratic Party holding a majority of seats on the Fresno City Council. In the 2020 mayoral election, Democrat Jerry Dyer was elected mayor of Fresno, defeating Republican Steve Brandau. This was a major victory for the Democratic Party, which had not won a mayoral election in Fresno since 1992.
Fresno’s Liberal Elements
Despite its Republican-leaning politics, Fresno has several liberal elements. For one, the city is home to a large immigrant population, with around 17% of the population being foreign-born. This is much higher than the national average of 13%. The city is also home to a large Latino population, with over 50% of the population being of Hispanic or Latino origin.
Fresno is also a very diverse city, with a wide range of cultures, religions, and beliefs. This diversity can be seen in the city’s various neighborhoods, which are home to a variety of different ethnicities and cultures. This diversity has led to the city becoming increasingly liberal in recent years, with many of its residents advocating for progressive causes and policies.
Fresno’s Progressive Policies
Fresno has taken several steps to become more progressive in recent years. In 2019, the city passed a resolution declaring it a sanctuary city, meaning that city officials are prohibited from inquiring about a person’s immigration status. The city has also passed several laws aimed at protecting the rights of its LGBTQ+ population, including a law that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The city has also taken steps to become more environmentally friendly. In 2018, the city passed a Climate Action Plan that set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035. The city has also adopted a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035. These goals demonstrate Fresno’s commitment to progressive policies and its desire to become a more sustainable and environmentally conscious city.
Conclusion
Fresno is a city with a complex political landscape. It is heavily Republican in terms of presidential elections, but it has a strong Democratic presence in local politics. The city is also home to a large immigrant population and is becoming increasingly progressive in terms of its policies and outlook. While it is not a liberal city in the traditional sense, Fresno is certainly moving in a progressive direction.