FRESNO, California ‒ The farmers’ markets, particularly on Wednesdays, act as a gathering place for this city. The parking lots fill quickly, whether in the morning on Kern Street downtown or at a vineyard nearby that closes at sunset.

Farmers and customers alike come from diverse backgrounds, all looking for fresh, locally sourced goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to jams and affordable grass-fed beef.

Located three hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno has a vibe more akin to Middle America than the bustling metropolis often associated with California.

Agriculture is the backbone of its economy, and Fresno County consistently ranks among the world’s top agricultural producers.

However, both Fresno County and the city itself rarely receive attention from U.S. presidential candidates.

Andre Smith, 60, who was selling produce at the downtown market recently, expressed frustration, saying, “I haven’t seen enough from either candidate. It feels like we’re invisible to them; they don’t care about us.”

As a project manager for a nonprofit teaching Black youth about farming, Smith is concerned about the rising costs of food and gas. He often hears promises from politicians that leave him skeptical. “I want to know: Can they actually fulfill their promises? Politicians can lie; are they genuinely looking out for me or for their own interests?”

Fresno is a Democratic-leaning city within a Republican-dominated county and a blue state. Both the city and county struggle with low voter turnout, creating a political climate that often overlooks the region.

The closest any candidate has come to the area lately was when Republican Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, spent a night in Fresno in late July while attending a high-profile fundraiser nearby.

According to Ken Goldstein, a political professor from the University of San Francisco, presidential candidates usually visit California for fundraising purposes and then focus their campaigning on battleground states.

Goldstein noted that Fresno voters “are really nice people, but there’s no strategic reason for candidates to engage with them,” highlighting that individuals can still be politically active by volunteering or phone banking in critical states.

Fresno County, however, has a mixed political landscape, said James Kus, the County Clerk and Registrar of Voters. As of a voter registration count in September, nearly 195,000 residents were Democrats, over 167,000 were Republicans, and about 105,000 identified as independents.

Historically, though, fewer people vote than are registered. In the recent state primary in March, only 156,425 voters participated, which is about 31% of those registered.

“That’s not a record low, but it’s close,” Kus remarked. “November might be more interesting, but I wouldn’t be shocked if turnout is still low.”

Like Smith, Kus also wishes for more national attention on the area during political campaigns.

“We know we’re the agricultural heart of the nation,” he said, “yet it often feels like we’re an afterthought, and our needs aren’t being acknowledged in national politics.”

‘Searching for the Truth’

With a few boxes of sweet potatoes left, Smith mentioned that the farmer’s market had been a success that day.

Smith manages the Sweet Potato Project, a nonprofit farming initiative aimed at helping at-risk youth, located just a short drive from the market. Selling sweet potatoes at $1 a pound or $32 for a full box helps fund the project while encouraging adolescents to stay in school and avoid gangs and drugs.

A lifelong resident of Fresno and a retired real estate investor with ten adult children, Smith believes he can impart valuable lessons to the youth he mentors.

Yet he hasn’t decided who to support in the presidential election.

“Don’t stereotype me,” he cautioned, explaining that he isn’t backing Democrat Kamala Harris just because she shares his race. Not visiting the region, he believes, means she and Trump are missing out on understanding local issues and motivating potential voters.

Smith is determined to ensure that the kids he mentors, “who already face many challenges,” receive the education and support they need. He is particularly concerned for his own sons, a 24-year-old Army sergeant and a 19-year-old he hopes won’t choose a military career like his brother.

“I always think about their futures,” Smith expressed. “I find myself wondering where we will be in four months or four years.”

 Gradually Standing Up Again

While searching for fresh produce at the Vineyard Farmers Market, Leah Shubin’s young sons eagerly try to grab another grape from the vine she just purchased.

“Prices here are significantly better than the supermarket,” said Shubin, a stay-at-home mom from nearby rural Madera Ranchos. “We want to ensure our boys eat healthy food.”

At 27, Shubin believes that Trump could improve her financial situation if he wins the presidency again.

She and her husband Kyle, 34, are spending about $100 more per grocery trip compared to a year ago.

They keep a close eye on their expenses, especially after Kyle lost his job as a cybersecurity consultant earlier this year. “It was quite challenging,” she recalled. The couple, who are part of the middle class, had to tighten their budget and sell a second home they intended to renovate for extra income.

Shubin paused for a moment, taking a deep breath as her kids continued to plea for more grapes. Fortunately, Kyle has secured a new job in cybersecurity, and Shubin feels the family is “gradually getting back on track.”

“We trust in God to provide for us,” she noted.

Shubin sees Trump as a determined businessman who deserves another shot at being president. She believes he can help “revitalize the economy,” which she argues would lead to more jobs and greater stability nationwide, even in rural areas.

Understanding the low voter turnout usually seen in the county, Shubin encourages her neighbors to make their voices heard on Election Day, “regardless of their political affiliations.”

“You really have no right to complain if you don’t vote.”

I’ll vote for who I choose, no matter what

Farmer Gianni Raines recognizes that he has a different perspective, particularly when it comes to politics.

The owner of Zone 9 Farms doesn’t operate a traditional fruit and vegetable stall. Instead, at the Vineyard Farmers Market, he offers trays of microgreens, small seedlings of herbs and vegetables, which are eaten fresh in salads or sandwiches.

Raines’ microgreens grow in approximately 12 days, and he sells around 200 trays weekly. Some favorites among his customers include the vividly purple Rambo Radish, known for its robust flavor, and Cilantro greens that shoppers like Shubin purchase by the tray. Mini peppers are also highly sought after.

“I manage to cover my bills and more,” Raines remarked, showcasing his products displayed in his pickup truck. “I prefer to keep things uncomplicated.”

Regarding his political beliefs, Raines identifies as a Libertarian, representing one of the largest independent political groups in the U.S. He plans to vote for Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, who receives around 1% of the national polling votes, including a recent survey by YSL News and Suffolk University.

Raines closely aligns with Oliver’s motto: “Live your life as you wish. Your body belongs to you. Your business is your concern, and your property is yours.”

He acknowledges that his candidate is unlikely to win, but adds, “I don’t mind. It won’t deter me from casting my vote for who I believe in.”

While Kus disagrees with Raines regarding the impact of his vote, he respects Raines’ determination.

“Engaging voters boosts turnout,” Kus observed, emphasizing that California permits same-day voter registration, making it possible for even those who haven’t registered to vote. “I want hardworking residents in this county to take advantage of their right to vote,” he urged.

Raines had a similar resolve when he ventured into agriculture seven years ago, after leaving a nearly ten-year career as an IV technician at a local hospital.

His interest in microgreens sparked after watching a YouTube video, prompting him to purchase some trays and seeds. He appreciates that he doesn’t require a large farm, as he grows his produce indoors using fluorescent lights.

“I wanted to see if I could develop this into my own business, be my own boss, and make my own choices,” he shared.

Today, Raines is part of a vibrant farmer’s market, run by Felix Muzquiz.

“It’s wonderful to witness our growers showing their best efforts,” remarked Muzquiz, a supporter of Harris. “It illustrates that we can put aside political or any differences for a greater purpose.”