Ousted in Recall Election, Officials in a California City Won’t Leave

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

In Avenal, California, four city officials who were overwhelmingly recalled by voters have refused to leave office, challenging the recall's legality and prompting ongoing legal battles and a criminal investigation. This stalemate has deepened divisions in the community, disrupted local governance, and highlighted wider concerns about trust and election legitimacy.

In Avenal, California, a rural city in the Central Valley, a political standoff is unfolding more than three months after residents voted to recall the mayor and three City Council members. Despite the overwhelming vote to remove them from office, the recalled officials have refused to vacate their positions, citing legal concerns and challenging the validity of the recall process.

The recall election, held in April, resulted in more than 76 percent of voters supporting the removal of Mayor Alvaro Preciado and Council members Leticia Gamez, David Reynosa, and Pablo Hernandez. Only Council member Ricardo Verdugo retained his seat. The recall effort was initiated over a year ago, sparked by controversy surrounding the city’s plan to establish a volunteer-run fire department instead of relying on Kings County services. This, along with complaints about a lack of transparency and other local grievances, mobilized a group of residents to organize the recall campaign.

Dalila Barajas, Veronica Loya, and Ginger Wallis led the recall initiative, collecting over 650 signatures to trigger the election. Barajas and Wallis, who express concerns about governance and cultural changes in Avenal, also criticized what they see as a departure from the city’s traditions, including alterations to the annual Old Timers Day celebration. The organizers deny any racial motivation behind the recall, stressing their focus on local issues and community well-being.

However, the recalled officials have disputed the legitimacy of the recall process. Mayor Preciado, a longtime public servant who emigrated from Tijuana as a teenager, argues that the county was unauthorized to conduct the election and raised concerns over alleged irregularities, including signatures from former residents. He has framed his refusal to step down as awaiting due legal process, with ongoing court proceedings challenging the election’s validity.

The California attorney general has authorized the recall proponents to pursue a quo warranto lawsuit, a legal action intended to remove officials unlawfully holding office. Meanwhile, the Kings County district attorney has launched a criminal investigation, conducting searches of City Hall and homes belonging to the recalled officials and the city manager. The district attorney has also ordered the ousted officials to cease using public funds.

The impasse has generated significant tension within the small community of about 14,000 residents, many of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino. Town hall meetings have become contentious, marked by heated exchanges and accusations. Amid the turmoil, local businesses and residents are worn down by the persistent division, with some choosing to stay uninvolved.

In an attempt to break the deadlock, Council member Verdugo, the only retained member, held a special meeting to appoint himself mayor without a quorum, a move considered unlawful under city rules. Verdugo dismissed the legality of both his meeting and those held by the recalled officials as equivalent.

As the dispute continues, Barajas and Wallis have announced their candidacies for City Council. The protracted conflict in Avenal reflects a broader national debate over election legitimacy and democratic norms, with experts expressing concern about growing mistrust in electoral outcomes at all levels of government.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.