Fresno's mayor weighing into race to replace her

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin Thursday endorsed Lee Brand over Henry Perea in the campaign. Swearengin said she has been thinking about this transition for eight years.

"I'm very pleased today to recommend to the people of Fresno that Lee Brand serve as next mayor of Fresno."

Swearengin cited Brand's experience and ability to collaborate. Brand said the mayor's endorsement gives his campaign a big boost.

"We worked together, almost like teammates, over the last eight years to bring this city from the brink of bankruptcy out of junk bond status."

Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea said he respects the loyalty shown by Swearengin and Brand but maintains he remains the best candidate.

"When I think and look at the voters of this city and what they're looking for, I mean, do they want to stay in the past or do they want to move forward?"

Perea picked up an endorsement from Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian-- a Republican.

"I think what that points to is the fact that though we may be from different parties we know how to work together for the better of a community," said Perea.

Brand feels his campaign has picked up a great deal of momentum since the June primary.

"People didn't know me the first time around. People know who I am now. I need to continue to get that message out who I am."

The race for Fresno mayor is shaping up to be a tightly contested one. Our last exclusive Action News poll conducted less than three weeks ago showed the race to be a statistical tie.