Join Statement From DA Smittcamp & Sheriff Zanoni On Measure A Ruling

Published on June 02, 2025

As elected officials, it is our sworn duty to uphold the laws of the State of California. Following the ruling issued by Judge Tharpe regarding Measure A, we are prepared to serve the full six-year terms that resulted from the implementation of Assembly Bill 759.

We were each elected by Fresno County voters in 2022 to serve four-year terms. However, under AB 759—passed by the Legislature and signed into law in 2022—District Attorney and Sheriff elections statewide have been moved from the gubernatorial election cycle to the presidential cycle. As a result, our current terms have been extended by two years, through 2028. This is a one-time extension.

While the court’s ruling directly impacts the length of our current terms, neither the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office nor the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office played any role in placing Measure A on the ballot or in the resulting litigation. This matter rests between the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and the State of California. As noted in the County’s public statement, the Board will discuss potential next steps during its closed session on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

We continue to have serious concerns about the legislative process that led to the enactment of AB 759. After sitting in the Senate Appropriations Committee’s suspense file for over a year, the bill advanced rapidly in the final weeks of the legislative session and was signed into law by the Governor on September 29, 2022—with little to no opportunity for public review. As a result, local governments and voters were excluded from a policy decision that directly affects the terms of their elected officials.

While AB 759 remains the law, we remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity and dedication for the full duration of our terms. We remain focused on serving the people of Fresno County and upholding the public’s trust.

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