Election 2024
The Richmond Progressive Alliance has held a majority on the City Council since 2020 and held at least half of the seats for the past 10 years. This year, there were three seats up for election, which has the potential to flip the council. Early returns showed two RPA candidates — incumbent Claudia Jiménez and Sue Wilson — leading their opponents. A third, Melvin Willis, was in second place after all precincts had reported around 1:10 a.m. Wednesday. At an…
As polling wrapped up Tuesday night, Richmond voters talked about what issues swayed their vote. Gloria Space said her concern was about local rent control getting more affordable, low-income housing. “They need to focus on the reform of landlords, so tenants are not treated any kind of way,” she said. The need for affordable housing was reiterated by Philip Slater ,who voted in Marina Bay Harbor. “We have a lot of empty lots in this city, and a lot of…
About half a million dollars has flowed into the 2024 Richmond City Council races, with contributions coming from local political action committees, businesses, current and former public officials and everyday citizens. District 6 is the most competitive, with a combined $111,893 in direct contributions to incumbent Claudia Jiménez and challenger Shawn Dunning. Jiménez raised about $67,000, which is about $22,000 more than Dunning. She also has spent more than twice as much as he has. Jiménez is one of two…
In the two decades Flor Castro has lived in Richmond, she’s seen many things change. One thing that has remained relatively stable is the $1,500 rent for the three-bedroom apartment she shares with her husband and two children, thanks to the city’s rent control laws. “I’m very grateful to God for everything I have because there are other families that need not just one job, but two jobs,” Castro said in Spanish. “So, up until now, that’s not my situation,…
Seuy Karnsouvong remembers going to the fire station by Crescent Park in Richmond with her late husband, Boonthong, to vote. Since she wasn’t familiar with English like he was, he would walk her through filling out her ballot. That was decades ago, but Karnsouvong still needs help dissecting the complicated language used in measures and other parts of the ballot. She isn’t alone in needing assistance with voting. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Richmond has 1,667 Laotian and 182…
Jovanka Beckles and Jesse Arreguín are running for the District 7 California state Senate seat, which covers Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Incumbent Nancy Skinner, who is not seeking reelection, represents the same geographic region, which was called District 9 before redistricting occurred in 2021. Richmond Confidential interviewed the two candidates, both Democrats. Here is a summary of their responses. Jesse Arreguín, Berkeley mayor Jovanka Beckles, AC Transit director What are your top three priorities as state senator? Arreguin said…
On Election Day, Richmond voters will decide between two ballot measures that could reshape elections for the foreseeable future. On the ballot are two options: Measure J’s two-round primary system or Measure L, an instant run-off, otherwise known as ranked-choice voting. Both address concerns over representation but through vastly different approaches. Measure J, which is supported by local unions and known as the Richmond Election Reform Act, would maintain the familiar two-round primary election where a candidate must secure a…
Three Richmond City Council districts are up for election Tuesday: Districts 1, 5, and 6. In District 1, challengers Jamelia Brown and Mark Wassberg are vying to unseat incumbent Melvin Willis. District 5 is an open race with newcomers Ahmad Anderson and Sue Wilson. In District 6, Shawn Dunning is running against incumbent Claudia Jiménez. Maybe you have a favorite candidate, or you’ve already cast your vote. But could your views on some issues align with someone unexpected? Play this…
With three open seats on the five-member El Cerrito City Council, the Nov. 5 election offers residents a rare opportunity to shape the city’s future. Mayor Tessa Rudnick will not be running for reelection after one term on the council. Councilmember Paul Fadelli is also not running, after serving two terms, leaving Lisa Motoyama as the sole incumbent. Also running are Lauren Dodge, a design researcher and landscaper; Courtney Helion, an art conservator; William Ktsanes, an educator; and Rebecca Saltzman,…