Santa Ana Mayor Leads As Council Shifts

Incumbent Mayor Valerie Amezcua holds a lead in her reelection bid in Santa Ana, but two progressive challengers are ahead in separate city council races as of Wednesday. The contests cover the southern and central wards of the city.

Amezcua faces two opponents in the mayoral race: public agency attorney Dan Shimell and community organizer Dwayne Shipp. The campaign centered on the city's stance regarding federal immigration enforcement. Immigrant rights advocates criticized the mayor for not being vocal enough in opposing the policy.

"I could have been that louder voice," Amezcua said on Election Day. She added that she worked in the background to bring items to the city council agenda that allocated funding for local families. Shipp has conceded the race, while Shimell argued that elected leaders must use their platform to tell Immigration and Customs Enforcement that its actions in the community are unacceptable.

In Ward 4, which includes the southern part of the city, Sandra De Anda of the Orange County Rapid Response is challenging incumbent Councilman Phil Bacerra. Bacerra focused his campaign on public safety. In Ward 6, covering the central district, Isuri Ramos from the group Chispa leads the race for an open seat. Her opponent, Giovanni Sanchez, serves on the Santa Ana Rental Housing Board.

Both De Anda and Ramos lead organizations that advocate for immigrant rights. Their potential victories would place two new members with a progressive focus on the council. Voter sentiment reflects a mix of caution and hope regarding the change in leadership.

Leo Rodriguez, a Santa Ana voter, noted that while the mayor may remain, the composition of the council appears to be changing. He expressed hope that the new members would take the city in a different direction. Amy Kuach, a second-generation immigrant, said the stakes are personal. She cited the need to feel safe and to have city representatives who understand the struggle of the immigrant community.

The council will also face decisions on public safety and affordable housing. Ballots were still being counted as of Wednesday.