Jamie Johansson Announces Campaign for State Assembly


Chico, CA  - Jamie Johansson, a farmer and past President of the California Farm Bureau, has officially announced his campaign for State Assembly. Johansson is running to succeed Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher in the 3rd State Assembly District, as Gallagher is term-limited and unable to seek reelection.


About Jamie Johansson:

Jamie Johansson is a proud Northern Californian who has lived in Butte County since 1993. His story is one of grit and perseverance. During tough times, Jamie dug ditches by hand to make ends meet and taught himself to farm olives and citrus. In 1998, he began managing orchards in the Oroville area to fulfill contracts supplying olives to the Bay Area and has been a farmer ever since.


Facing California’s maze of taxes and regulations, Jamie took action. He joined the Butte County Farm Bureau Board, was elected to the Oroville City Council, and served as President of the California Farm Bureau. In addition to being a first-generation farmer, Jamie continues to put community and service first. He has supported local agriculture youth groups, is a leader of the Durham Boy Scouts, and founded the Sierra Oro Farm Trail, a non-profit that promotes agri-tourism and marketability for Butte County farms. Jamie lives in Chico with his wife, Nicole, and their three children. When he’s not working, Jamie can be found building a pig pen for his kids’ fair project or cheering the kids on at their sporting events.


What Jamie’s Saying:

“Northern California has had enough. Enough of the high prices, wasteful water policies, and extreme political agendas in Sacramento. Enough of being left behind.


That’s why I’m running—to be the voice of farmers, hard-working people, and small business owners who are ready to turn California around. I’ve stood up to Newsom to protect our water rights.


I’ve worked with the Trump Administration to provide relief for local farms. Now, I’m ready to fight for Northern California in the State Assembly.”

April 11, 2025
CHICO, CA - (4/10/25) - Esteemed Chico business leaders inspired by his leadership and commitment to change have announced their endorsement of Jamie Johansson for California’s 3rd Assembly District, highlighting his pro-business policies, leadership experience and results, and deep understanding of the North State’s economic landscape. The endorsing leaders include: Bob Linscheid, former head of the Chico Economic Development Corporation and current President & CEO of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau John Blacklock, former Butte County Chief Administrative Officer and respected community leader, member of the Butte College Board of Trustees John Dahlmeier, Insurance professional, member of the Butte College Board of Trustees John Nock, farmer, board member for Golden State Farm Credit, Butte College Board of Trustees Richard O’Sullivan, farmer, and retired executive vice president of commercial lending for Tri Counties Bank These individuals, who have significantly contributed to Chico’s business community and economic development efforts for decades, believe Johansson is the ideal candidate. As a farmer and small business owner himself, Johansson knows the struggles and will advocate for pro-growth policies, reduced regulations and taxation, and a favorable business environment. These endorsements from Chico’s business community add to Johansson’s growing coalition of supporters, including farmers, agribusiness professionals, local leaders and residents dedicated to advancing the region’s prosperity. For more information on Jamie Johansson’s campaign, visit www.votejohansson.com ###
March 28, 2025
CHICO, CA — A group of respected agricultural leaders have officially endorsed Jamie Johansson to represent California Assembly District 3, citing his commitment to California agriculture and his track record of strong advocacy for policies that support farmers. California Assembly District 3 is primarily an agricultural district and includes Butte, Glenn, Placer, Sutter, Tehema and Yuba counties. The group putting support behind Johansson are: • Bud Caldwell, Northgate Petroleum • Les Heringer, M&T Ranch • Rich McGowan, RMF McGowan Farming • Ed McLaughlin, longtime farmer and community ag-vocate • Rob Ramay, Bid Cal These industry leaders are encouraging their fellow farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals to join them in supporting Johansson’s campaign for assembly. “Jamie has been a champion for California farmers, advocating for policies that protect our water, land, and ability to operate,” said McGowan. “He has the knowledge and experience to fight the regulatory regime in Sacramento.” Johansson, a first-generation farmer, expressed gratitude for the endorsements. “The support of these respected leaders in agriculture means everything. They are the farmers who mentored me when I was younger, they understand the challenges the North State faces and why we need a strong, experienced leader in Sacramento. I am committed to continuing the fight for policies that support our farmers and rural communities.” Johansson and his supporters are inviting the community to stand with them in backing his campaign. For more information or to get involved, visit www.votejohansson.com or follow @VoteJohansson on Facebook, @VoteJamieJohansson on Instagram or @JDJohansson on X. # # #
March 18, 2025
Chico, CA – Matt Tennis, a Butte County rice farmer, Chair of the Butte County Water Commission and former Chico Unified School District trustee, has announced his endorsement of Jamie Johansson for State Assembly, citing Johansson’s proven leadership in fighting for water rights, advocating for farmers, and shaping sustainable water policy. “Jamie Johansson has been instrumental in protecting Butte County’s water resources and ensuring farmers have a seat at the table in critical water discussions for more than two decades,” said Tennis. “From his knowledge and work on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to his leadership in the formation of the Tuscan Water District, Jamie has fought tirelessly to preserve and protect our water rights and the future of agriculture throughout the state. He is by far the best and most qualified candidate to represent us in this race for Assembly District 3.” Johansson, a farmer, small business owner, and former Oroville City Council member, has long been a champion for water rights across California. He has worked alongside farmers from the Klamath Basin to Imperial Valley advocating for policies that balance environmental needs with the economic realities. He helped organize a water rally at the state capitol successfully protesting the state water board’s pending action that would of decreased the North State’s available water, for both agriculture and urban use, by 2 million acre feet. Johansson’s leadership has also extended to addressing key statewide water challenges, including advocating for water infrastructure investments, both in Congress and the state legislature. He has supported long-overdue funding for water storage projects, including Sites Reservoir and raising Shasta Dam, to secure long-term water reliability for farmers and residents. “I’m honored to have the endorsement of Matt Tennis,” said Johansson. “Water is the foundation of our agricultural economy and rural communities. I’ll be proud to represent Assembly District 3 in Sacramento and I’m not afraid to stand up against policies that threaten our water security and rights.” Tennis’s endorsement adds to a growing coalition of agricultural leaders, business owners, and community advocates supporting Johansson’s campaign for Assembly. For more information on Jamie Johansson’s campaign, visit www.votejohansson.com. # # #
February 17, 2025
Chico, CA – Butte County Supervisor Bill Connelly endorsed Jamie Johansson for State Assembly District 3. A small business owner and County Supervisor for over 20 years, Bill Connelly is a major player in North State politics. He is well known around the state on his knowledge of California water law and local surface and ground water demands. “Jamie is a small business owner and farmer who understands the North State,” said Supervisor Connell. “He stood up to Newsom to protect our water, he worked with Trump to save small farms, and he will vote for the largest middle-class tax cut in California history. I’m endorsing Jamie because I know he’ll fight for our North State values in Sacramento.”  "Supervisor Connelly has served and represented Butte County for over two decades. He is a huge asset to our campaign. I am thankful to have earned his endorsement and look forward to working with him in the months ahead,” said Jamie Johansson. Since entering the Assembly race, Jamie has quickly gained support from community leaders and organizations, including Supervisor Connelly and the Butte County Farm Bureau. For more information, visit www.voteJohansson.com. # # #