Lara declares victory, says: ‘Now it’s time to get to work’ 

Retired CHP Sgt. Luis Lara declared victory this week in the race for the District 3 seat on the Merced County Board of Supervisors. 

After the latest election numbers from the June 2 Primary were dropped on Tuesday night, Lara sent a statement to the Times saying it was evident that his vote total will continue to surpass the total received by his opponent — incumbent Supervisor Daron McDaniel. 

Lara’s lead grew to 60.09 percent, or 5,293 votes, over McDaniel at 39.69 percent, or 3,496 votes. The difference stood at 1,797 votes.

As of Tuesday night, there were 3,936 ballots left to count, according to the county’s Registrar of Voters. 

Confident in his lead, Lara said Tuesday night that he was “honored and humbled” by the victory, and ready to face for the job ahead. 

“Thank you to the voters of District 3 for your trust and support,” he said. “I also want to thank Supervisor Daron McDaniel for his service to District 3 and for a hard fought campaign. I look forward to working with Supervisor McDaniel during the transition and to working alongside the Merced County Board of Supervisors, our CEO, Merced County staff, and our community partners.

“The campaign is over and now it’s time to get to work. I am committed to serving all residents of District 3 and helping build a stronger future for Merced County.”

Meanwhile, over the past weekend, Supervisor McDaniel had already conceded an election loss on his social media page. 

“After carefully watching the election results come in, it has become clear that the remaining numbers are not enough to change the outcome,” he wrote. “While this is not the result we had hoped and worked so hard for, I respect the decision of the voters and offer my congratulations to my opponent.

“Serving as your District 3 Supervisor has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have always believed public service is a calling, an opportunity to serve others, make a difference, and leave our communities stronger than we found them.

“Over the years, we have faced challenges and celebrated many successes together. I am proud of the work we have accomplished, strengthening public safety, improving roads and infrastructure, supporting economic growth and job creation, investing in our communities, and laying the foundation for future generations.”

Superintendent of Schools

Two names are emerging as the likely candidates to be involved in a November runoff election to decide who will be the next Merced County Superintendent of Schools. 

Richard Lopez and Ana Boyenga continue to be at the top of a very close race after the latest primary election results were dropped on Tuesday night. 

Lopez, the superintendent of the Merced River School District, leads with 31.46 percent, or 11,857 votes. Boyenga, an assistant superintendent at the Atwater Elementary School District, is close behind with 29.35 percent, or 11,064 votes. Paula Heupel, superintendent of the El Nido Elementary School District, remains in third place with 27.83 percent, or 10,489 votes. Heupel is behind Boyenga by 575 votes. 

The next election result totals are expected to be reported no later than Thursday, June 11, at 5 p.m. All votes are expected to be counted by June 15.