By Gary Kremen
I served 12 years on a local water district board, including eight years representing growers and ratepayers on the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. Being elected multiple times gave me a front-row seat to how water and politics are inseparable in California. The experience taught me that elections are about more than personalities or party labels. They are about protecting communities that depend on agriculture, and water is at the center of it all.
Why Water Matters Most
For agricultural regions, water is not an abstract policy issue. It is the foundation of farms, towns, and businesses. Reliable and affordable supplies make farming possible, which in turn sustains local economies, schools, and families. When water is short, the impacts ripple far beyond the farm gate.
That is why regulatory changes matter so deeply. When new restrictions reduce flexibility or add costs, it is not just a line item in a district budget. It is fewer acres planted, fewer jobs available, and less certainty for the next generation.
The Growing Weight of Regulation
Over the years, I watched regulations multiply. Groundwater reporting, pumping restrictions, and compliance fees became part of the daily routine for districts and growers alike. Each measure might seem small on its own, but together they create a heavy burden.
Many of these rules are written far from farming communities, with little appreciation for the realities of agriculture. The intentions may be good, but the results are often reduced water deliveries and added costs for those who can least afford them. Voters understand this, especially when the connection is explained in terms of local jobs and food security.
2026 Elections and Local Voices
In 2026, many of you will face re-election. Others may be watching closely because friends or colleagues are stepping forward. Some may simply want to ensure that voices in their community continue to be heard.
Regardless of where you fit, the principle is the same: local leadership matters. District board members, supervisors, and community representatives play a direct role in how water policy is shaped and implemented. The choices made in these elections will influence how effectively districts can respond to state and federal challenges.
Changing Voters, Changing Strategies
California’s population is shifting. New residents are moving in, younger voters are entering the rolls, and statewide politics often influence how local issues are understood. That means the approach that worked ten years ago may not be enough in 2026.
It is important to begin early. Building name recognition, strengthening community relationships, and earning the trust of local organizations all take time. The sooner these efforts begin, the more effective they will be.
Building Community Support for your Elections
From my own experience, the most successful campaigns were those that connected the dots between water, the economy, and everyday life. When voters saw how board decisions affected not only agriculture but also schools, businesses, and neighborhoods, they became more engaged.
Endorsements from respected farmers, business owners, and community leaders carry weight. So does a consistent message that balances practicality with vision: protecting water resources, reducing unnecessary red tape, and ensuring that local voices continue to guide local policy.
A Measured but Urgent Task
The challenges ahead are real. Regulations will continue to evolve, and opponents of traditional water use will remain active. But there is also resilience in communities across California. Voters respect leaders who listen, who speak plainly, and who demonstrate persistence over time.
Water is the thread that ties our communities together. As we look toward 2026, those who step forward to lead—whether defending their seats or helping others—have a responsibility to keep that connection front and center.
To support your work, we are offering a free voter and demographic analysis, customized for your district. Understanding who your voters are, and how they are changing, can make all the difference in preparing for the elections ahead.
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