-Editorial
Imperial County voters will decide a wide range of federal, state, and local offices in the June 2, 2026, primary election, with contests spanning congressional representation, judicial seats, county leadership positions, and special district boards.
The ballot includes the 25th Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz is the incumbent. Voters also will consider the 36th District seat in the California State Assembly, currently held by Jeff Gonzalez. Both positions carry two-year terms and are subject to California’s primary election system, in which candidates receiving the highest vote totals may advance or secure an election depending on the race structure and outcomes.
Four seats on the Imperial County Superior Court are on the ballot, each with a six-year term. The judicial offices include Seat 1, held by retiring Judge William D. Lehman and is being contested by Ben Salorio and Veronica Henderson; Seat 2, held by Judge Marco D. Nuñez; Seat 3, held by Judge William D. Quan; and Seat 4, held by Judge Eran M. Bermudez. Superior Court judges preside over trial-level cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters within the county.
Two positions on the Imperial County Board of Supervisors are up for election to four-year terms. Supervisor Jesus E. Escobar represents District 1, while Supervisor John Hawk represents District 5. Candidates are lining up to challenge Hawk and Escobar this election cycle, but names have not been released and registration is still open.
Several countywide administrative offices will be decided by voters. The Assessor’s office, currently led by Robert Menvielle, is responsible for property assessment for taxation purposes. The Auditor-Controller position, held by Karina Alvarez, manages county financial oversight and accounting functions. Chuck Storey serves as Clerk-Recorder, maintaining public records and overseeing election administration. Suzanne Bermudez is the incumbent Treasurer-Tax Collector, responsible for managing public funds and collecting taxes. The office of Imperial County Superintendent of Schools, held by Dr. Jonathan “Todd” Finnell, also appears on the ballot, with responsibility for supporting local school districts and administering education programs.
Voters also will select representatives for local special district boards. Three seats on the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors are on the ballot, each for a four-year term. The divisions include Division 1, represented by Alex Cardenas; Division 3, represented by Gina Dockstader; and Division 5, represented by Karin Eugenio. So far, former IID Director Matt Dessert is the only declared candidate to challenge Cardenas in June.
In addition, a four-year term seat for the Imperial Valley Healthcare District is listed on the ballot. Candidate information for that position was not specified in the election summary.
The June 2 primary is part of California’s regular election cycle and will determine which candidates advance or secure office based on vote totals and applicable election rules. Local officials administer the election through the Imperial County elections office, which provides voter registration services, polling information, and ballot materials.
Voting will take place at designated polling locations throughout the county, with additional options including early voting and mail-in ballots available to registered voters in accordance with state election procedures. Election officials will certify results following vote tabulation and verification processes.
