There has been significant outrage after it was revealed that a convicted child sex offender is running for a position on the California City Council.
Rene Campos, who recently sought to represent Fresno’s 7th District, is now under fire due to a serious and troubling criminal conviction.
“I was raised in Fresno by a mother who taught me to protect the vulnerable, tell the truth even at the cost, and never tolerate abuse of power,” he stated.
Campos was arrested in 2018 and subsequently pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge related to the possession of child sexual abuse material. Court records indicate that he pledged no contest in October for failing to register.
Despite this, reports have emerged claiming he is legally eligible to run for office in California.
This situation has ignited anger regarding the potential of a convicted child sex offender gaining power, prompting discussions on various concerning aspects of the matter.
“If you’re a registered sex offender, you’re not allowed on school grounds. How could you possibly do your job?” questioned Nav Gulum, a small business owner and attorney competing for the same council seat.
Campos responded, stating, “I believe Fresno deserves a leader with integrity from the beginning. I am committed to this.”
He elaborated on his background, mentioning, “I was raised in Fresno by my mother, who taught me to protect the weak, to tell the truth even at the cost, and to never tolerate abuse of power. Those values didn’t come from politics, they came from life.”
Despite his insistence that he is facing his past head-on, a look at his campaign website reveals scant acknowledgment of his criminal history, with only a brief note of having a “fully resolved legal situation” in the FAQ section.
Campos announced his candidacy at the end of January, with the primary election slated for June 2nd.
The campaign had not responded to requests for further comment.
