Who will represent District 2? What to know about Merced City Council opening
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- City will appoint a District 2 representative to serve through November 2026.
- Council set interview format, time limits and rotating order for 13 applicants.
- City chose appointment to fill term through November 2026 instead of election.
The Merced City Council is ready to fill its District 2 vacancy.
At its regular meeting on Monday, the council finalized plans for Tuesday night’s special meeting to interview candidates for the vacant seat.
After some discussion, the council agreed on time limits for statements and questions, the order in which candidates will speak, and the questions council members will ask.
The seat has been empty since Ronnie DeAnda resigned in October, citing health issues, including a minor stroke.
The council decided to appoint a representative to serve the remainder of DeAnda’s term, which will end in November 2026, rather than wait to hold a special election for the seat.
Tuesday night’s interview process
- Each candidate will have three minutes for an opening statement, two minutes to answer each council question and 90 seconds for a closing statement.
- After council questions, the public will be invited to comment or ask questions.
- Thirteen people applied for the position. To keep the process fair, the order in which candidates answer will rotate.
Candidates will be asked a series of questions about why they want to represent Merced’s District 2, what qualities they believe the city should seek in a representative, their vision for the district, specific infrastructure needs they identify, and their favorite aspect of the district.
A key question raised at Monday’s meeting concerned eligibility: Does the appointee have to live in District 2?
City Attorney Craig Cornwell clarified that anyone living in Merced can be appointed, but only District 2 residents can run when the seat is up for election in November.
The council must appoint a representative by Wednesday. If it’s unable to do so, municipal code calls for a special election to be held.
