Ashley Swearengin's time as Fresno's mayor is winding down, so she's focusing on the next step in her career. She wants to become State Controller, the chief financial officer whose job is sign all of the checks California pays out.
"I feel like my skill set and experience lends itself well to this particular seat," said Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
Swearengin has begun the paperwork process, but will not be considered a qualified candidate until she turns in 65 nomination signatures from registered voters by Friday, March 7th.
If she wins, Swearengin says she would leave the city in better shape than when she took over five years ago.
"We've managed to keep the city out of bankruptcy. We've put some solid plans in place to invite private investment back to some of the hardest hit parts of our city and frankly I see this state controller's office as an opportunity to keep doing the work we've started at city hall," said Swearengin.
Swearengin, a Republican, is set to face two Democrats in the June primary. Assembly speaker John Perez and Betty Yee, a State Board of Equalization member.
Fresno State Political Science Professor, Dr.Thomas Holyoke, talked about the race.
"That means she has a big uphill battle in front of her. She does not have statewide name recognition. She has to find a way to turn out enough republican voters and maybe even attract some democratic voters to win in a democratic state," said Dr. Thomas Holyoke, Fresno state Political Science Professor.
"I think she's a great candidate, very telegenic, she's a rising star," said Councilman Lee Brand.
Councilman Lee Brand says if Swearengin reaches the Capitol, he'll be vying to take over her seat.
"My plan all along was to run in 2016. This simply accelerates the program," said Brand.
Council president, Steve Brandau, would actually become temporary mayor until a special election is held. Right now, he's not interested in the position.
"I've got three more years to be a good councilman for district 2 and that's what I'm going to focus on," said Councilman Steve Brandau.
If Swearengin does not become the next State Controller, she'll continue to be Fresno's mayor for the next two years.