Preliminary Results Show Jimenez Leading Richmond Mayoral Race
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez holds a narrow lead over Ahmad Anderson in Richmond's mayoral runoff, while Carson voters favor incumbent Jim Dear and charter amendments.
Preliminary results from the November 3, 2026, elections show Claudia Jimenez leading the runoff for mayor of Richmond, California. Jimenez, a Colombian immigrant and architect who refused corporate campaign contributions, holds approximately 52.2% to 53.08% of the vote. Her opponent, Ahmad Anderson, a former human resources executive, trails with 46.92% to 47.8%. Both candidates advanced to the runoff after defeating incumbent mayor Eduardo Martinez in June.
In Richmond, voters also showed strong support for Measure Q, a $120 million bond initiative to renovate fire stations and a training center, which currently has 69.32% support. Contra Costa County election officials noted that these early reports typically represent only half of the total votes cast.
Simultaneously, preliminary returns in Carson, California, show incumbent Councilmember Jim Dear leading in District 2 with roughly 76% of the vote over challenger Derek Haskell. The race for District 4 is significantly closer, with Public Works Commissioner John Hollaway holding a narrow lead of 50.16% over incumbent Arleen Rojas, who has 49.84%.
Carson voters are also favoring Measure CU, a proposal to remove council term limits and increase campaign contribution transparency, which currently leads with 75% support. The Los Angeles County registrar's office released these initial returns, though some ballots remain to be tallied.
