Your guide to Alanis’ unopposed run to keep California Assembly District 22 seat
Juan Alanis, Republican California assemblymember for District 22, is running unopposed in the 2026 primary. He’s held the seat since 2023.
Alanis was born in Modesto and has a wife and three adult children. He attended Riverbank High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stanislaus State University.
He was a Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputy for 29 years and ran and lost a race against current Sheriff Jeff Dirske in 2018. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Alanis was a sergeant and detective investigating crimes against children and domestic violence.
“I fight hard for our communities in Sacramento, and I believe I bring a unique voice to the state Capitol with my career as a law enforcement officer,” Alanis said. “I have found I am very good at building bridges and finding reasonable consensus on major issues.”
He said his most important priorities in this campaign are affordability, public safety and supporting California’s children.
Where is the district?
The district encompasses the central and west parts of Stanislaus County, including Modesto, Ceres, Turlock, Patterson and Newman, as well as a portion of unincorporated northeast Merced.
Who are the candidates?
Alanis is running unopposed after defending his position last election against Democrat Jessica Self in 2024.
Who is funding the race?
Alanis has $769,706 in campaign contributions for his 2026 primary run. It is largely funded by rollover from his previous campaign in the amount of $360,944. His largest single contributions were from the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, at $11,800; followed by an Operating Engineers Local Union 3, which gave his campaign $10,900; and the California Real Estate PAC and the Pechanga Band of Indians, at $10,800 each.
He received funds from trade unions, law enforcement, Native American groups and large agriculture operators including E.&J. Gallo Winery and the American Pistachio Growers California PAC.
Alanis has so far spent $111,515.68 this campaign season. The largest expenditure, $25,000, has gone to the Sutter County Republican Party.
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Your guide to Alanis’ unopposed run to keep California Assembly District 22 seat."
