GROW Elect Winners Election Update – Part 2

Valdivia Joins Ranks of GROW Elect Mayors

  San Bernardino City Councilman John Valdivia (Pictured left) proved his mettle by unseating an incumbent Mayor after laying out a new direction for one of California’s larger cities. Valdivia joins the ranks of several GROW Elect Mayors across the state, including Ignacio Valazquez (Pictured right) who was re-elected to continue as the first popularly elected Mayor of Hollister.

Perseverance Pays Off

  Several candidates who had previously sought office before but fallen short were successful in last week’s election. These candidates included Jaime Patino (Pictured right) who was elected to the City Council for Union City, Lionel Largaespada (Pictured left) for the Benicia City Council, and Roger Orosco who reclaimed a seat on the Selma School Board.

Women Candidates Have Big Night

A number of Latina Republicans were elected or re-elected to public office in this election as well.

  Claudia Frometa (Pictured left) captured a seat on the Downey City Council, Maria Aguila was the top vote-getter for the Novato School District, Giggy Perez-Saab won for the Downey School Board, Etta Waterfield was re-elected to the Santa Maria City Council, and Veronica Vargas (Pictured right) won a tough race for the Tracy City Council.

  Other female winners include Esther Valdes (Pictured right) for the Coronado Unified School Board, and Beth Rivas for the El Monte School Board. Elizabeth Silva also won election for the Gonzales City Council.  Lynne Ebenkamp (Pictured left) retained her seat on the Rowland Unified School District, as did Aurora Wilson on the College of the Desert Board of Trustees.

As previously noted, Cecilia Iglesias won a seat on the Santa Ana City Council and Bernadette Suarez was a victor for the Lawndale City Council.

Incumbents Battle Back

  A number of incumbents battled back in tough campaigns to retain their offices. John Aguilera (Pictured left) swept to victory again for the Vista City Council. Bob Pacheco won another term on the City Council for the City of Walnut. Yuba County Supervisor Andy Vasquez claimed a well-deserved win. Rob McNelis won for Santee City Council, and David Avila emerged victorious for Yucaipa City Council. Ray Marquez earned another term on the Chino Hills City Council, and John Quintanilla won for Rosemead School Board. Voters re-upped Rigoberto Ramirez for the Stanton City Council.  Voters also ratified the appointment of Bill Miranda (Pictured right) of Santa Clarita for a full term on the City Council.

More New Faces on City Councils

  Small businessman Ricardo “Ricky” Felix (Pictured right) put together an aggressive and energetic campaign to emerge as a political fresh face on the Upland City Council. Rich Lozano (Pictured left) has pulled ahead for a seat on the Galt City Council. While Rich will be new to the Council, he has experience as the President of the Cosumnes Community Services District which provides fire and emergency services to Galt and Elk Grove.

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