Mayoral candidate Montes says Atwater needs more job opportunities, fresh leadership
At the age of 23, it's no surprise that Roberto Montes is a newcomer to the scene of Atwater politics.
It wasn't that long ago when he received a college degree just down the road at Stan State and then started his journey toward a meaningful career.
While he has many friends in the area, and enjoys going to events organized by…
Yang Pao Thao seeks growth, investment for South Merced
Yang Pao Thao is the incumbent candidate in the race for the District 2 seat on the Merced City Council to be decided this November.
However, it…
Bliss calls for stronger, safer Merced where families thrive
Long before there was news about the elections for Merced City Council in 2026, John Bliss was starting plans to run for the District 6 seat that…
Merced City Councilman Shane Smith launches reelection campaign
Shane Smith, who represents District 4 on the Merced City Council, launched his reelection campaign for a second term on Tuesday night in front of a large crowd of supporters in the backyard of the wonderful home of Kenra and Don Bragonier.
The incumbent spoke in particular about his work to improve public safety in Merced,…
Zeledon carries perseverance, self-determination in race for…
UPDATE: Yang Pao Thao was added to the candidate list for District 2 since this story was written. Thao is the current District 2 representative who was…
Barbershop owner, Realtor, Yader Zeledon announces campaign…
Yader Zeledon — a Merced barber who started his own business on Main Street and then extended his talents to the local real estate market — kicked off…
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…
ELECTION UPDATE: Lara surges way out front in race for…
While those mailed-in ballots continue to arrive at the Elections Office, Luis Lara is sitting pretty as the likely new Merced County Supervisor…
Merced County incumbents receive more support from…
Editor's note: The following story, first published in the Merced County Times print edition of May 28, 2026, has been updated with more recent…
District 3 supervisor’s race reveals parity in contributions
As California’s June 2 primary approaches, campaign finance disclosure statements for District 3 incumbent Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel and challenger Luis Lara show similar totals for monetary contributions and expenditures.
Through May 16, the McDaniel campaign has raised $96,954 in itemized contributions with $65,525 in…