Registered child sex offender runs for Fresno City Council

Rene Campos, a registered sex offender, is running for a seat on the Fresno City Council despite his criminal record.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Rene Campos, a registered sex offender in California, is running for a seat on the Fresno City Council. While most candidates highlight their civic achievements, Campos is having to address his criminal record. Despite his status on the state's sex offender registry, California law does not bar sex offenders from holding local public office. Campos was charged with possession of child sex abuse material in 2018 and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge. His opponent, Nav Gurm, a small business owner and attorney, has spoken out against Campos running, arguing that a registered sex offender should not be able to serve in public office.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the eligibility requirements for public office and whether registered sex offenders should be allowed to run for local government positions, especially those that involve interacting with the community and potentially visiting schools.

The details

Rene Campos, a registered sex offender, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat, currently held by Councilmember Nelson Esparza. Campos was charged with possession of child sex abuse material in 2018 and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge. Despite his criminal record, California law does not prevent sex offenders from running for local public office. Campos' opponent, Nav Gurm, a small business owner and attorney, has spoken out against Campos running, arguing that a registered sex offender should not be able to serve in public office, as they are not allowed on school campuses.

  • Campos was charged with possession of child sex abuse material in 2018.
  • Campos pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge in 2018.
  • Campos is running for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat in the 2026 election.
  • The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Rene Campos

A registered sex offender in California who is running for a seat on the Fresno City Council.

Nav Gurm

A small business owner and attorney in Fresno who is also running for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat and has spoken out against Campos running.

Nelson Esparza

The current Fresno City Council member for District 7, whose seat Campos and Gurm are running for.

Jerry Dyer

The mayor of Fresno, who is supporting Gurm's campaign.

Louis Chavez

The Fresno County Supervisor for the district that overlaps with District 7, who is also supporting Gurm's campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I believe Fresno deserves leaders who are honest from the very beginning, not the end. Going into this, I am putting my life out there.”

— Rene Campos (ABC30)

“I think it should be a disqualification to serve in public office. If I'm the next councilmember in District 7 and I can't show up to a school site, how can I best represent the people in the neighborhoods I want to serve?”

— Nav Gurm, Small business owner and attorney (The Post)

“If someone is a registered sex offender they can't be on campus at a school site, how are you going to be able to fulfill the duties of the job?”

— Nav Gurm, Small business owner and attorney (The Post)

What’s next

The primary election for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Gurm has indicated that he may push for a change in California law to prevent registered sex offenders from running for public office in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the eligibility of registered sex offenders to hold public office, especially in positions that involve interacting with the community and potentially visiting schools. It raises questions about the balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and democratic representation.