Dozens of candidates declared their intention to run for election to local offices by the Friday, Aug. 8 deadline, highlighted by contested races for Hollister and San Juan Bautista City Council, local school and water districts, and the runoff election for District 4 county supervisor between incumbent Jerry Muenzer and Hollister City Councilman Victor Gomez.
Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez will be challenged by Keith Snow in the November 4 municipal election, one of four city races upon which voters will decide. In District 2, Mickie Luna and Victoria Montoya will square off for the council seat vacated when Robbie Scattini moved out of the district. Scattini will face Karson Klauer in the District 3 council race, where longtime Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia decided not to seek re-election.
Three Hollister residents — Carina Hernandez, Judi Hohnson and Cecilia Rios — have pulled papers to run for the elected city treasurer job, which has been occupied by City Clerk Geri Johnson, who was appointed to the position. She said she will not seek the seat. The filing deadline for this position was extended until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 because the incumbent did not file to run.
Six candidates are seeking three open seats in the San Benito High School District, with incumbents Steve Delay and Mary Encinias being challenged by Jennifer Coile, Roger Curtis, Vanya Robles Davidson and Juan Robledo.
Seven candidates are in the running for three open seats on the Hollister School District, with incumbents Patricia (Pat) Moore, Lupe Navarro and Elsa Rodriguez pitted against Erika Amezcua, Peter Hernandez Jr., J.W. Paine and Brianna Rodriguez Tavares.
San Juan Bautista City Councilman Tony Boch will Chris Martorana and Jim West for a council seat and one of the Hollister seats on the Gavilan College Board of Trustees will feature incumbent Kent Child facing off against Elizabeth Dirks and Lois Locci.
The Sunnylope Water District race will have incumbent Danny Villalon seeking re-election against Mike Alcorn, David Clapham, Gerardo Gallo and Judi H. Johnson.
In the San Benito County Health Care (hospital board) race, incumbent Mary McCullough will face Tony Guaracha, Tony Ruiz and Josie Sanchez.
The District 1 seat on the Sunnyslope County Water District Board is uncontested, with incumbent John Tobias the sole candidate. In District 4, incumbent Joseph Torquato will face Robert Gilchrist Huenemann.
To see the complete list of candidates for local elected offices, including school, water and fire districts, click here,