Progressive-backed candidates lead Santa Ana council races

Three candidates backed by progressive organizations led Santa Ana City Council races in preliminary returns Thursday, putting a shift in the council majority within reach as ballots remained uncounted, according to Voice of OC.

The outcome could reshape how the city handles immigration-related legal aid, police accountability and surveillance contracts. The races followed criticism of City Hall transparency and its response to immigration enforcement raids, Voice of OC reported.

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Sandra De Anda led seven-year incumbent Phil Bacerra by 922 votes in Ward 4. Isuri Ramos held a lead of more than 700 votes over Giovanni Chavez in Ward 6, while incumbent Ben Vazquez had about 73% of the vote against Selica Diaz in Ward 2, according to Voice of OC.

The Santa Ana Police Officers Association supported Bacerra, Chavez and Diaz, along with Mayor Valerie Amezcua. The union had spent nearly $270,000 on advertising and mailers supporting those candidates as of Monday, plus about $58,000 opposing Vazquez and Ramos, the publication reported. Progressive organizations backed De Anda, Ramos and Vazquez.

All three leading council candidates opposed automated license plate readers. Officials were expected to receive a report on the technology at a future council meeting. De Anda, an immigrant rights advocate, also called for funding community services, while Vazquez outlined plans to expand legal defense funding for families affected by ICE enforcement, according to Voice of OC.

City Manager Alvaro Nuñez could face closer scrutiny from incoming council members emphasizing transparency, the publication reported. John Kachirisky, president of the police officers association, said the union would respect the election results and work with council members to represent its members.

In the mayoral race, Amezcua led Dan Shimell by more than 900 votes. Her share stood at about 44% Thursday evening, down from 50% Tuesday night. Separately, Measure N had about 67% support; it would keep a 1.5% sales tax increase indefinitely rather than allow its scheduled reduction and expiration in 2039, according to Voice of OC.

The council balance and tax measure remained unsettled with counting underway. Their outcomes could shape both policy priorities and revenue decisions as Santa Ana faces a structural deficit, Voice of OC reported.