Registered sex offender running for Fresno City Council

Rene Campos says past hardships have equipped him to better understand and serve the community

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rene Campos, a registered sex offender, has announced his intention to run for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat in the June primary election. Campos pleaded no contest to a 2018 charge of possession of child pornography and served two years of formal probation. He says his past experiences, including dealing with homelessness as a teenager and facing biases as a gay man, have equipped him to better understand and serve the community.

Why it matters

Campos' candidacy raises questions about the legal limits and public perceptions around registered sex offenders running for public office. While conviction or registration for a sexual offense does not generally disqualify a person from running, their status may impact their ability to campaign and connect with voters.

The details

In 2021, Campos pleaded no contest to a 2018 charge of possession of child pornography and served two years of formal probation. The Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cyber tip reporting suspicious online activity associated with an IP address in Fresno, which led them to Campos' residence where they found he was downloading and sharing obscene material depicting a minor in sexual conduct. Campos says he is not hiding from his past and believes his experiences have shaped him to better serve the community.

  • In 2021, Campos pleaded no contest to a 2018 charge of possession of child pornography and served two years of formal probation.
  • The primary election will take place on June 2, 2026.

The players

Rene Campos

A registered sex offender who is running for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat in the June 2026 primary election.

Tony Botti

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office spokesperson who provided details about the cyber tip and Campos' arrest.

James Kus

The Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters who explained that conviction or registration for a sexual offense does not generally disqualify a person from running for office.

Larry Bowlan

The Fresno Police Department spokesperson who stated that Campos, as a lifetime registrant, does not have any special restrictions other than those of any other sex offender in California.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's not something I want to hide from. It is my past. It is public record. It is something I've learned from and something that I'm growing from.”

— Rene Campos (fresnobee.com)

“I'll be blunt. I've had a very hard life, and it's these life experiences that have pushed me towards helping people.”

— Rene Campos (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The primary election will take place on June 2, 2026, and Campos will need to receive over 50% of the vote to secure the Fresno City Council District 7 seat. If no one gets a majority, the top two candidates will advance to the November 3 general election.

The takeaway

Campos' candidacy highlights the complex issues surrounding registered sex offenders running for public office. While his past conviction does not legally disqualify him, it may impact his ability to campaign and connect with voters. This story raises questions about redemption, rehabilitation, and the balance between public safety and political participation.