Three candidates run for mayor of Gonzales as current mayor does not seek reelection.

Three candidates are running for mayor of the City of Gonzales, where the current mayor, Jose Rios, will not be seeking reelection for a fourth term.

Jose Rios has been the mayor of Gonzales since he was first elected in 2020. He was reelected in 2022 and won his third consecutive term in 2024. 

The current Mayor Pro Tem, Liz Silva is running for mayor alongside Andrew Castillo and Henry Laizure McDowell.

“I decided to run for mayor after conferring with our current mayor after he decided not to run for re-election this year,” Silva says. “Since I have served on our City Council for almost 18 years, I felt well-prepared and knowledgeable about the responsibilities to seek the office of mayor.”

Silva is a lifelong resident of Gonzales and has volunteered for more than 40 years serving at her local church, the California Rodeo Salinas, Rancho Cielo, Monterey County Agricultural Education and the American Legion Auxiliary.

“Two of the biggest projects on the city's horizon are the completion of the expansion of our waste water treatment plant and the annexation and development of almost 780 acres of land for much-needed housing in the valley,” Silva adds.

This refers to the Vista Lucia housing that will be built over 20-30 years with construction of 3,498 residential units alongside 96,000 square feet of commercial space, as the plan calls for.

“I am well aware that my time commitment, if elected, would include more meetings with local and regional leaders, and I am prepared to meet that challenge,” she says.

Castillo, 21, says the City has missed opportunities to secure active transportation and infrastructure funding for basic safety.

“I’m running to make sure we proactively track application cycles and bring those resources home,” Castillo says. “We need to aggressively pursue regional, state, and federal active transportation grants for ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb ramps, and safer routes to schools and transit stops. Corridors like Alta Street, 4th Street, and local clinic access points need vital upgrades.”

Castillo, who is supported by family and is currently a full-time candidate, has been closely tracking local governance, public records and municipal processes—regularly participating in public comment at city meetings to advocate for accessibility.

“The mayor plays a crucial role in shaping the agenda and facilitating productive meetings. I’m prepared to bring rigorous attention to detail, strict adherence to deadlines, and transparent public engagement to the role,” he says.

Most mornings beginning at 7:30am, Castillo can be seen at Fairview Middle School and is available for residents to ask him questions.

McDowell’s candidate statement was not filed and did not immediately respond to Salinas Valley Now for comment.