First time politicians on the ballot for school board

When you look through the voter information guide this election cycle, you might notice some new names. Dan Bordona, an educator for 30 years, is running for a seat on the Fresno Unified School Board for the first time.

“A lot of times there are questions that should be asked because these things are impacting what is happening with our schools, not always in a positive way,” said Bordona.

Bordona is running for a seat in area six, which includes Hoover High School. He says it’s important that teachers have a voice on the board.

“I don’t think there’s any ill intent on any board member, but I think they lack that deeper level of understanding of how our school systems work,” says Bordona.

As you travel down Shaw Avenue to Clovis, another first-time candidate is running for school board.

Wilma Hashimoto is running for a seat in Area Two. Hashimoto has been a part of education at different levels, and she is the executive director of CASA. Hashimoto says she thought about running for a long time before entering the race.

“It was laid on my heart quite honestly that knowing I have had this experience 28 plus the six so 34 years of advocacy, and I spent a good deal being prepared for this role in Clovis Unified getting started. It just makes sense to say yes,” said Hashimoto.

While many candidates are running for the first time in this 2024 election cycle, many students at Fresno State will be voting for the first time on November 5.

Lillian Cain is the first female in her family to vote.

“To me, it is actually important just because I have say of what we do,” said Cain.

If it is voting for the first time or running for office, these three will never forget this election cycle.