McDaniel
2026

A Few Words About Me

Daron McDaniel

A Few Words About Me

I’m Daron McDaniel, and I’m proud to call Merced County my home. My story isn’t about politics it’s about service, family, and a deep commitment to the community.

Before stepping into public office, I spent years as a small business owner, signing the front of paychecks, not just the backs. That experience shaped how I lead today: with a focus on accountability, hard work, and creating the conditions for families and businesses to succeed.

I also spent years working alongside U.S. Congressmen, State Senators, and with California State Assembly Members, building lasting relationships and gaining firsthand experience navigating state and federal government. Those years gave me the tools to open doors, solve problems, and bring critical resources home to Merced County.

As your County Supervisor, I’ve built a proven record of results delivering major infrastructure improvements, attracting new investment, and standing up for local priorities. I don’t just represent one group in Merced County I represent all of us. Through my roles on regional, statewide, national committees, I have a seat at the table to negotiate for our community on transportation, housing, public safety, and economic development, no matter the level of government.

I’ve worked side by side with local, state, and federal partners to bring home funding for transformative projects like the Castle Inland Port, the Atwater–Merced Expressway, and the Black Rascal Creek flood control project investments that are shaping Merced County’s future.

But what drives me most is people. I believe in safe neighborhoods, strong schools, good jobs, and a Merced County where the next generation can build their future without leaving home. My leadership is built on relationships, integrity, and action not empty promises.

I’m honored to serve this community, and I’ll continue working every day to make Merced County stronger, safer, and full of opportunity for every family who calls it home.

Castle: A Decade of Transformation

By Supervisor Daron McDaniel

Since my election in 2015, I’ve been proud to help lead the transformation of the former Castle Air Force Base into one of the most strategic economic assets in the Central Valley.

Together with our partners, we’ve brought to life the Transportation Research Center, launched a new Patriot Rail District, and built a state of the art CAL FIRE Training Center. We’ve expanded County services through the Human Services Agency and Veterans Services Office, giving families and veterans local access to critical resources.

Castle is now a destination in its own right with Blaker Brewing’s Tarmac, Cen Cal Escape Rooms, and the ever growing Castle Air Museum drawing residents and tourists alike. In 2024, Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour brought national spotlight and thousands of visitors to the site.

We’ve secured full funding for the Atwater-Merced Expressway, which will soon create direct freeway access to Castle from Highway 99 - unlocking new potential for commerce, housing, and transportation.

And through a new partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, Castle is poised to become a regional freight and logistics hub- allowing our ag producers and manufacturers to efficiently move goods from Merced County to the global market via rail and port.

Every one of these accomplishments has happened since I took office and I’ve been at the forefront of making them happen. I’ve worked to secure infrastructure funding, build state and federal partnerships, and ensure Castle serves as a long term engine of opportunity for Merced County.

To the businesses who believed in Castle early on - thank you. You laid the foundation.
And to our new business tenants - thank you for your confidence in Merced County. We’re honored to have you as part of this next chapter.

 

Castle’s momentum is real, and we’re just getting started.

Timeline In Office

  • 2015Elected to Office

    Elected Merced County Supervisor for District 3, representing Atwater, North Merced, Franklin-Beachwood, and McSwain.

  • 2016Champion for Public Safety

    Advocated for deputies, fire crews, and first responders securing resources to strengthen community safety.

  • 2018Castle Commerce Center Leadership

    Advanced Castle’s redevelopment as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and aviation laying the foundation for local jobs.

  • 2019Finish Highway 99 Coalition

    Joined Valley wide leaders to push for the completion of Highway 99, improving safety and commerce for Merced County families.

  • 2020Chair, Rural County Representatives of California

    Served as Chair of RCRC, ensuring Merced County’s voice was heard in statewide policy and rural advocacy.

  • 2022Port of Los Angeles Partnership

    Helped secure a historic agreement between Castle Commerce Center and the Port of LA, boosting freight and trade opportunities for Merced County businesses.

  • 2025Outstanding Local Elected Official Award

    Honored with the Jenny Kenoyer Award at the San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference for leadership and collaboration.