Guillermo Asuncion Gonzalez
Candidate for State Senate District 16
Guillermo Gonzalez is a Republican. He is running for California State Senate District 16. His opponent is Democratic incumbent Melissa Hurtado. The general election is November 3, 2026. This is his first run for public office. He was born in Bakersfield. He was raised in Mexico. He later returned to the United States as a teenager. He graduated from Bakersfield High School. He owns Guillermo's Steakhouse in Delano. He also helps run a café in McFarland. He works as a field representative too. He works for U.S. Representative David Valadao. Gonzalez finished first in the June 2026 top-two primary, with 45.2% of the vote to Hurtado's 35.6%. He advanced to the general election alongside Hurtado. He has been endorsed by the California Republican Party. He has also been endorsed by several Valley Republican officials. These include Rep. Valadao and Rep. Vince Fong. Home: Bakersfield. He has business interests in Delano and McFarland. Occupation: Small-business owner. He owns Guillermo's Steakhouse in Delano and a café in McFarland. He is also a field representative for U.S. Rep. David Valadao. Prior office: None. This is his first run for public office.
On the issues
- Taxes & Cost of Living
Opposes new and higher taxes, blames the Democratic legislative majority for high gas prices and the cost of living, and opposes a per-mile driving tax.
Source → - Housing & Homelessness
Names housing affordability a top campaign priority and blames state regulation for rising housing costs, without specifying a policy mechanism.
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Campaigns on increasing police funding/support and opposing state policies he characterizes as soft on crime.
Source → - Environment, Energy & Climate
Supports expanding domestic oil production and drilling in California and opposes reliance on imported fuel; has not stated a position on climate policy or environmental regulation specifically.
Source → - Water & Natural Resources
Describes California's water scarcity as largely policy-driven ('man-made') and calls for building more water storage and capture capacity, with local farmers and ranchers -- rather than state regulators -- managing water resources.
Source →
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