Political interest is alive and well in San Benito County, with a full June primary ballot in various local races.
According to current records at the San Benito County Elections Office:
A total of nine candidates are running for two open county supervisor seats, in districts 3 and 4. District 3 Supervisor Robert Rivas isn’t seeking reelection as he runs for the 30th Assembly District seat. Anna Caballero is departing that role and running for State Senate District 12.
In that District 3 race, former Supervisor Pat Loe is facing Peter Hernandez, Jerry Reimer and Richard Perez. In the other supervisor’s race, incumbent Jerry Muenzer faces a challenge from Hollister Councilman Jim Gillio, Hollister School District Trustee Robert Bernosky, Sandy Swint and Elia Salinas.
With incumbent Judge Harry Tobias not seeking reelection, there are four candidates who include Gregory Michael LaForge, Frances Henderson, Jose Rodriguez and Robert Michael Foley. Judge Steven Sanders is not facing competition for the other seat.
In yet another crowded race, there are five candidates running for county treasurer. Incumbent Mary Lou Andrade faces competition from Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz, Katherine Casey, Abraham Gomez and Melinda Casillas.
In the race for 30th District Assembly, San Benito County Supervisor Robert Rivas put his name out there early and has been followed by previous candidate for the role and current Gilroy Councilman Peter Leroe-Munoz; Watsonville City Councilwoman Trina Coffman-Gomez; Bill Lipe, listed as a policy manager in Monterey County filings, Neil G. Kitchens, listed as a businessman and rancher in Monterey County; and Nathan Mallamace, listed as an engineer in Santa Cruz.
Friday is the last day for candidates to get their names on the June ballot for positions.
The candidates are vying to replace Assemblywoman Anna Caballero. The long-time politician is running for the District 12 State Senate race on the June primary ballot. Caballero defeated Karina Cervantez-Alejo in 2016.
Also filed in San Benito County to face Caballero are farmer Johhny Martin Tacherra and Rob Poythress, a Madera County supervisor and farmer.
In one other contested race, Bill Hutchison is facing Sheriff Darren Thompson, who is seeking his third four-year term.
Going uncontested are Assessor Tom Slavich, Clerk Joe Paul Gonzalez, DA Candice Hooper and Schools Superintendent Krystal Lomanto.
For the latest candidate election information, go here.
