LOS BANOS — A special election will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to fill the vacant Los Banos City Council seat for District 1, following the January resignation of former Councilmember Kenneth Lambert. California law mandates that vacancies in elected city offices be filled by a public vote rather than appointment, prompting the scheduled election.
Two candidates are competing for the seat: Mitzy Perez and Kalid Sanchez, both graduates of the University of California, Merced. Each brings a background in community advocacy, with their campaigns focusing on key local issues such as housing development, homelessness response, and economic opportunities.
Perez, has emphasized the importance of managed growth and public investment in infrastructure and recreation. Sanchez, a mother of five and small-business owner, has framed her campaign around community-based solutions to poverty and addiction.
While both candidates have participated in community forums and events, access to the candidates has not been evenly available to the public. Perez agreed to an interview and participated in public candidate discussions, while Sanchez initially accepted an interview request from this publication but did not attend the scheduled meeting and has not responded to follow-up communication.
In addition, the League of Women Voters of Merced County confirmed that Sanchez declined their invitation to a summer candidate forum. Perez agreed to attend, but the event was canceled due to the League’s policy of not hosting forums with only one participant.
Vote-by-mail ballots are expected to be mailed to District 1 voters in late July. Residents are encouraged to ensure their registration is current and to confirm election details directly with the Merced County Elections Office or the California Secretary of State’s official website.
The winner of this election will help shape Los Banos’ approach to growth, development, and governance as the city enters a period of transition. The newly elected councilmember will join a council that is still working to appoint a permanent city manager and address community priorities that have long needed sustained attention.
