Chamber committee announces endorsements of ’24 candidates
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber Political Action Committee, or BAKPAC, on Tuesday announced its endorsements for candidates for the 2024 General Election for one Kern County Board of Supervisors seat and three Bakersfield City Council positions.
For the District 2 supervisorial seat, BAKPAC endorsed retired law enforcement officer Chris Parlier, a former Bakersfield city councilman.
There are six candidates for the District 2 seat: Kelly Lee Carden Jr., Dale Cisneros, Ben Dewell, Pete Graff, Bermita Jenkins and Parlier.
For Ward 2 of the City Council, the chamber endorsed incumbent councilman and Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales. Small-business owner Michael Cardenas is looking to unseat Gonzales.
In Ward 5, the chamber endorsed former home developer Larry Koman in the three-way race between Koman, businessman Mike Madrigal and real estate broker Kevin Oliver.
Ward 5 Councilman Bruce Freeman is not seeking re-election. He previously endorsed Koman for the seat.
In Ward 6, where Councilwoman Patty Gray is also not seeking re-election, the chamber endorsed businessman Zachary Bashirtash. There are three candidates for Ward 6 besides Bashirtash: community affairs representative Imelda Ceja; business owner Johnny Olaguez and health-care administrator Tom Webster.
“Local and state policy directly impacts the ability of businesses large and small to succeed in our community,” BAKPAC Chairwoman Dana Brennan said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we need elected representatives who understand the challenges faced by employers and are committed to fighting for jobs and a strong economy.”
Candidates interested in obtaining an endorsement apply and submit a candidate questionnaire to BAKPAC. After a review of candidate submissions, individuals are invited to interview with the BAKPAC Board of Directors, which has full decision-making authority for endorsements. BAKPAC is affiliated with but governed separately from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.