Merced Councilmember Announces Run for California Senate

Darin DuPont pledges to fight affordability crisis and secure Central Valley's water future.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Merced City Councilmember Darin DuPont has announced his campaign for the California State Senate District 14 seat, which covers portions of Merced, Fresno, Madera, and Tulare counties. DuPont, who was elected to the Merced City Council in 2024, is promising to tackle the affordability crisis and secure the Central Valley's water future if elected.

Why it matters

DuPont's announcement adds another candidate to the race for the competitive District 14 seat, which is currently held by a Republican. The district has been a battleground between Democrats and Republicans in recent elections, making DuPont's campaign an important one to watch as the parties vie for control of the state Senate.

The details

DuPont, a lifelong Merced resident and father, is an attorney by trade. He narrowly won his 2024 race for the Merced City Council's District 1 seat, defeating planning commissioner Walter Smith by just 213 votes. In his announcement, DuPont pledged to 'fight to end the affordability crisis, restore balance to Sacramento and secure the Central Valley's water future.' Two Democrats, Esmeralda Soria and Esmeralda Hurtado, have also announced campaigns for the District 14 seat.

  • DuPont was elected to the Merced City Council in 2024.
  • DuPont announced his campaign for the California State Senate District 14 seat on February 12, 2026.

The players

Darin DuPont

A Merced City Councilmember who is running for the California State Senate District 14 seat.

Walter Smith

A planning commissioner who lost to DuPont in the 2024 race for the Merced City Council's District 1 seat.

Esmeralda Soria

A state assemblymember from Merced who is also running for the California State Senate District 14 seat.

Esmeralda Hurtado

A Sanger city councilmember who is also running for the California State Senate District 14 seat.

Brian Jones

The state Senate Republican leader, who praised DuPont as the 'next generation of strong, principled leadership California needs.'

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What they’re saying

“Darin DuPont represents the next generation of strong, principled leadership California needs. He understands the challenges facing working families and will be a powerful voice for affordability, water security, and common sense in Sacramento.”

— Brian Jones, State Senate Republican Leader (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The race for the California State Senate District 14 seat is expected to be closely watched, as both Democrats and Republicans vie for control of the state legislature.

The takeaway

DuPont's campaign for the California State Senate District 14 seat adds another competitive race to the 2026 election cycle, as the Central Valley district has been a battleground between the two major parties in recent years. DuPont's pledges to tackle affordability and water security issues could resonate with voters in the region.