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Two people have signaled an interest in running to replace ousted District 5 Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez since the nomination period opened on July 13.
As of July 15, John Williams, president of the Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Rodney Bianchi, member of the San Benito County Board of Education, have begun the District 5 candidacy filing process with the San Benito County Elections Office but have not yet qualified, which means they have not submitted all required forms.
District 5 covers northern San Benito County between Hwys 25 and 156, and includes parts of downtown Hollister. It also includes residential areas along Sunnyslope Road, Memorial Drive and McCray Street.
Bianchi currently represents District 1 on the San Benito County Board of Education, which includes the northeast area of the county and southeast part of Santa Clara County. According to the county elections website, his term ends in December 2028.
Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder Ana De Castro Maquiz said whoever is elected to the District 5 seat in the Nov. 3 general election would take office immediately after the results are certified and they are sworn into office. The winner would serve the remainder of the term which ends in December 2028.
She also confirmed that if Bianchi were to be elected as District 5 supervisor, he would be required to vacate his seat on the Board of Education.
According to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, state law prohibits a public official from holding simultaneous elected positions if they are considered “incompatible.”
Additionally, the following incumbents have filed for other offices on the Nov. 3 ballot and have been deemed qualified:
- Reb Monaco for San Benito County Board of Education District 4
- Jeanie Wallace for Gavilan Joint Community College District Trustee Area 5
- Seth Capron for the Aromas Water District
- Mark Wright for San Benito County Water District Division 1
- Doug Williams for San Benito County Water District Division 4
The filing period for those seeking one of more than 50 elected positions in a myriad of districts including schools, water and healthcare runs through Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. If the incumbent fails to file and qualify to run, the nomination period is extended through Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.
In order to qualify to run for office, prospective candidates must be a registered and eligible voter at the time of election within the district of office they seek. They must also be a United States citizen, 18 years or older and not serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony.
According to the San Benito County Department of Elections Candidate Handbook for the Nov. 3 general election, those seeking office are required to submit a declaration of candidacy, nomination papers and a statement of economic interest (Form 700).
De Castro Maquiz said District 5 prospective candidates also need to submit 20 valid signatures from their district known as nomination signatures to qualify for the race.
She said people interested in running for office can speak to county elections staff in person, via phone or email regarding any questions they may have. No appointments are necessary.
The list of persons who filed for public office can be found at the county Elections Office website here. Castro De Maquiz said the list is updated at the end of each weekday.
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