California agriculture is facing mounting pressure — from water shortages and wildfire risk to regulatory overload, energy costs, and state budget deficits. Stepping forward to represent rural Northern California is Butte County farmer Jamie Johansson, a first-generation grower and former president of the California Farm Bureau, now running for District Three Assembly.
Johansson farms olives and citrus and began his agricultural journey in 1993. Alongside his wife Nicole and their three children, he has built both a family and a farming business in the North State. His leadership experience includes serving on the Oroville City Council and six years as president of the California Farm Bureau, where he advocated for farmers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
With current Assemblymember James Gallagher terming out, Johansson says District Three needs someone who can “hit the ground running on day one.”
Representing Rural California in an Urban Legislature
District Three stretches across multiple Northern California counties, covering vast agricultural and forested regions. Johansson notes that while rural lawmakers represent enormous geographic areas, more than 30 Assembly members come from Los Angeles County alone. That imbalance, he argues, requires strong rural voices who understand both farming and the legislative process.
He points to fellow North State lawmaker Heather Hadwick as proof that experienced advocates can successfully pass bills even in an urban-dominated legislature.
Water: The Top Priority
Water remains the defining issue for California agriculture. Johansson highlighted renewed progress on Sites Reservoir, which could become the first major reservoir built in generations if construction begins in 2026.
He also emphasized the importance of protecting dams in regions like the Eel River and Potter Valley. One solution, he argues, is recognizing hydropower as clean energy within the state’s energy portfolio. Doing so would increase the economic value of dams while supporting both water storage and renewable power.
“Water should be the highest priority in California,” Johansson said, especially as population growth continues and new housing developments expand statewide.
Energy Costs and Refinery Closures
California farmers are also grappling with some of the highest electricity rates in the nation — roughly 40 cents per kilowatt hour compared to a national average near 17 cents. That disparity directly impacts farms running electric pumps and families powering homes.
Johansson also pointed to refinery exits, including Valero Energy and Phillips 66, warning that California risks becoming increasingly dependent on imported fuel.
Regulation, Accountability, and the Budget
This year marks the 20th anniversary of AB 32, signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Johansson believes it is time to evaluate the law’s cumulative impact on cost of living and farming viability.
On his own farm, he manages 17 to 19 separate permits. He argues that rising regulatory costs push production out of California, often to regions with fewer environmental safeguards.
Layered on top of that is a reported $36 billion state deficit and what Johansson describes as a lack of accountability in Sacramento. Without transparency and fiscal discipline, he says, families and farmers lose predictability about their future.
“When there’s no accountability, there’s no predictability.”
Protecting Multi-Generation Farming
As a first-generation farmer, Johansson says he deeply admires fourth- and fifth-generation family farms that have survived decades of challenges. The tragedy, he notes, would be seeing those legacies end due to policy pressures.
He wants his own children — and future generations — to have the option of building lives in California.
“We can’t allow California to become a place where it’s not the best place to be,” he said.
A Call for Agricultural Engagement
Johansson closed with a direct appeal: get involved. Whether through voting, volunteering, or running for local office, he believes agriculture must show up at the ballot box — especially amid redistricting changes and shifting political dynamics.
Supporters can learn more at votejohansson.com and follow the campaign on social media.
As 2026 approaches, Johansson’s campaign centers on restoring water reliability, managing natural resources responsibly, lowering energy costs, and bringing fiscal accountability back to Sacramento — all with the goal of keeping California agriculture viable for generations to come.