Dennis Brazil to run for Senate

GUSTINE — Democrat Dennis Brazil has announced his bid for the open State Senate District 12 seat, which represents Fresno, Madera, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Stanislaus counties.

Incumbent Sen. Anthony Cannella, R-Ceres, is unable to run for reelection due to term limits, having served in office since 2010.

Brazil, a lifelong resident of the Central Valley, grew up in a more than 60-year-old family trucking business, hauling hay and equipment.

“I learned a valuable lesson from my grandfather when he said – ‘If you want to make it in the farming business, you have to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and work hard,’” said Brazil. “Growing up in the family business taught me to never take people for granted and listen to what they have to say.”

For over 25 years, Dennis Brazil has worked for Kagome Inc. in Los Banos, as an operations manager. Kagome is a major food processor that produces tomato-based products, such as pasta sauce, pizza sauce, salsa and other sauces for the restaurant and food service business. It employs 150 and exports to more than 40 countries.

“I’m running for State Senate to help others. I know that we can make this district a better place by meeting folks where they live and work, listening to their hopes and concerns. I look forward to meeting all families across this Senate District,” said Brazil.

He served six years as mayor of Gustine, four years on the San Joaquin Air District Board of Directors, and six years on Merced County Crime Stoppers.

He announced his senatorial bid last week.