Local State Senate candidate Nicole Parra picks up key endorsements

She will be facing two other Democrats in the June 7 primary, including the incumbent, Melissa Hurtado, finishing up her first term in the California State Senate. Another Democrat, Bryan Osorio, the mayor of Delano, is also running, as are republicans David Shepard, a farmer, and Gregory Tatum, a pastor and avionics technician.

Most recently, Parra got the crucial endorsement of popular Kings County Sheriff David Robison, who joins Corcoran Chief of Police Reuben Shortnacy in announcing their support for the longtime political activist.

She also earned the endorsement of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber Political Action Committee (BAKPAC). The Bakersfield organization represents over 1,000 members and is an organization that presents 50-60,000 jobs in the Bakersfield area.

Parra also served as Kings County’s representative for former Valley Rep. Calvin Dooley in her start in Valley politics.

“I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Nicole Parra for Senate. I met Nicole about 25 years ago in Kings County. We were teamed up to search for a missing Hanford child,” recalled Robinson. We searched along the Kings River. Nicole has long ties to Kings County and has shown she can clearly work with everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”

More recently, Parra also earned the endorsement of The Peace Officers Research Association (PORAC)

Other Valley law enforcement supporters include former Tulare County Sheriff Bill Wittman and former Arvin Chief of Police Tommy Tunson. 

 “I am honored to have the endorsement and support from Sheriff Robinson,” said Parra.  “We have worked together in the past, and I look forward to working with him when I am in the State Senate. My commitment to serving our Valley families will never waver,” she added.

“My local law enforcement endorsements prove that. Sheriff Robinson joins over 60 local community leaders - Democrats and Republicans- who have put their trust in me.”

 Robinson was born and raised in Hanford, where his family has lived since the 1930s.  Before he was elected Sheriff, he served as a correction officer, was part of the multi-agency Kings County Gang Task Force, and was an investigator and a detective with the Sheriff’s office.  Robinson was also part of the Sheriff’s Honor Guard and S.W.A.T. Team. Sheriff Robinson is an active member of the California State Sheriff’s Association and is currently on the Board of Directors.

“I also want to thank all those men and women in law enforcement that make the sacrifice each day to keep our communities safe,” Parra concluded.