The City of Los Banos will hold a special election on August 26, 2025, to fill the vacant District 1 seat on the City Council. The position has remained empty since January, when Councilmember Kenneth Lambert stepped down mid-term.
The election will be conducted entirely by mail, giving voters in District 1 the opportunity to choose a new representative. Ballots will be mailed out to registered voters nearly a month before the election date and can be returned either by mail or dropped off at designated locations within the city.
District 1 includes neighborhoods in the northern section of Los Banos and represents over 5,000 registered voters. Local officials say the special election will help restore a full five-member council, a requirement under state law that mandates a majority of members must be elected rather than appointed.
The official candidate filing period opens May 5 and closes May 30. In-person filing opportunities will be available both in Merced and on specific dates in Los Banos.
City officials estimate the cost of the election to be around $55,000. The City of Los Banos is responsible for all related expenses.
This election marks the city’s latest step in stabilizing its leadership after a year of council changes, including multiple resignations and a recall. Voter turnout in this off-cycle election will play a crucial role in determining the direction of the council moving forward.
