After months of campaigning, political advertisements and discussions about the future of their communities, Westside residents headed to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in the 2026 General Election.
From city councils and school boards to statewide offices and congressional races, voters in Gustine and Newman faced decisions that could shape their communities for years to come. Beyond the candidates on the ballot, voters were also asked to consider measures involving education funding, housing affordability, healthcare, taxes, election procedures and economic development.
One of the most closely watched local races was in Newman, where incumbent Mayor Casey Graham faced City Councilmember Matthew Harden. Voters also chose among incumbents Scott Ball and Shane Tomlinson and challenger Brett C. Short for two City Council seats.
In Gustine, Mayor Patrick Nagy sought another term unopposed, while Mayor Pro Tem Rich Ford and Councilmember Sherri Marsigli were the only candidates seeking two available City Council seats.
School board contests also drew attention. In the Gustine Unified School District, board President Gary Silva faced former trustee Evelin Gimlett for the Trustee Area 1 seat. In the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District, board President Don Cabral challenged Hugo Luna in Trustee Area 2.
For many voters, statewide propositions were among the ballot's most significant decisions.
Education funding was a key consideration with Proposition 3, which asked voters whether to permanently extend existing higher income tax rates on high earners to support public education and other state budget priorities.
"As a parent, education is always going to be one of my biggest concerns," said Maria Hernandez, 46, of Gustine. "I want our schools to have the resources they need, but I also want to know that the money is being spent where it actually helps students."
Housing affordability also remained a major concern. Proposition 1 proposed authorizing $11.25 billion in bonds for affordable housing and veterans housing programs, while Proposition 37 sought to create a homebuyer assistance program for qualifying Californians purchasing newly built homes.
"I grew up here, and I'd really like to be able to buy a home and raise my own family in the area," said Daniel Ferreira, 29, of Newman. "When you look at housing prices compared to what people are making, it can feel pretty far out of reach."
At the federal level, voters in California's 13th Congressional District considered a race between Democratic incumbent Adam Gray and Republican challenger Kevin Lincoln II. Issues such as agriculture, water resources, public safety and economic development were central topics in a district that includes much of the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
In California’s 22nd Assembly District, Republican incumbent Juan Alanis sought another term, while voters in the region also considered State Senate contests involving candidates seeking to represent communities throughout the Central Valley.
Election procedures also generated discussion through Proposition 39, a measure proposing additional voter identification requirements. For some voters, the proposal highlighted the challenge of balancing election security with voter access.
"I've been voting for a long time, and I think it's important that people have confidence in how elections are handled," said Robert Mitchell, 67, of Gustine. "At the same time, I don't want to see anyone who has the right to vote have trouble doing so."
Healthcare funding and oversight attracted attention through Proposition 44, which would require certain nonprofit community health clinics to spend at least 90% of their revenue on services supporting their missions.
"Healthcare is something that affects every family sooner or later," said Patricia Gomez, 54, of Newman. "I want to know that healthcare funding is being used responsibly and that patients are getting the care they need."
Voters also considered measures dealing with taxation and government spending, including Proposition 43, which would change voter approval requirements for certain local special taxes, and Proposition 40, which would impose a one-time tax on individuals and trusts with assets exceeding $1 billion.
For Susan Collins, 72, of Gustine, the continued rise in living expenses made those measures particularly important.
"I think people are tired of seeing everything get more expensive," Collins said. "Whether it's groceries, utilities or property taxes, it all adds up, especially for people living on a fixed income."
Development and environmental policy were also part of the statewide conversation through Proposition 45, which proposed changes to environmental reviews for certain housing, transportation, water and infrastructure projects.
In communities such as Gustine and Newman, where agriculture remains a major part of the economy, the issue resonated with voters like Kevin Ramirez, 38, of Newman.
"We need housing, better roads and improvements to our infrastructure, but I also think it's important to protect the farmland and resources that make this area what it is," Ramirez said.
Although voters approached the election from different perspectives, many shared common concerns about education, housing, public services and preserving the character of their communities while planning for future growth.
The ballot also included the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with contests for other statewide constitutional offices and legislative seats.
As voting concluded Tuesday, attention shifted to county election officials, who will continue processing ballots and updating results before completing the official canvass.
For residents of Gustine and Newman, the election represented more than the end of another campaign season. It offered an opportunity to influence decisions that reach from local city halls and school board chambers to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
As campaign signs come down and votes are certified, the choices made at the ballot box will help shape the next chapter for the Westside communities and the Central Valley they call home.
