Election Day: Assembly District 36 and Coachella
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Voters are deciding several closely watched political races across the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities, including California's 36th Assembly District and three open seats in the City of Coachella.
In the 36th Assembly District, Republican incumbent Jeff Gonzalez is facing Democrat Ida Obeso-Martinez. The district includes parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, as well as all of Imperial County.
Democrats have a voter registration advantage in the district, but Gonzalez flipped the seat in 2024. He is a Marine Corps veteran, pastor and small business owner. Obeso-Martinez is a nurse practitioner and the mayor of Imperial. Both candidates have identified affordability as a top priority. The race has also attracted millions of dollars in campaign contributions and outside spending.
In Coachella, voters are choosing a mayor and two City Council members following a turbulent year in local government that raised questions about public trust, transparency and future development.
Four candidates are running for mayor: incumbent Frank Figueroa, Councilmember Denise Delgado, Francisco Molina and Jesus Gonzalez.
Figueroa, who was appointed mayor in April, is seeking a full term. He has highlighted listening to residents, economic development and affordability as priorities.
Delgado, who has served on the City Council since 2020, says the city needs a new approach to how it operates. Molina has made restoring public trust and increasing government transparency central to his campaign.
Five candidates are competing for two City Council seats, including incumbent Juan Martinez. The other candidates are Andrew Gallegos, Ya-vonne Zapata, Ambar De La Herran and Vicente Zamora.
At least one new face is guaranteed on the council after Stephanie Virgen decided not to seek reelection.
Unlike other Valley cities, Coachella voters can vote for all City Council candidates, regardless of district, with the top two vote-getters winning four-year terms.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
