- 📌 Tony Nuñez won outright with 50.07% of the vote, avoiding a November runoff.
- 📌 Incumbent Felipe Hernandez received 30.84%, marking a rare primary defeat for a sitting supervisor.
- 📌 Nuñez plans to focus on economic development, affordable childcare, and down-payment assistance in South County.
- 📌 The county faces a $23.2 million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
In a significant upset, longtime community leader and former journalist Tony Nuñez has defeated incumbent Felipe Hernandez in the race for the District 4 seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Nuñez secured a simple majority plus one vote, winning outright in the June 2 primary election and avoiding a November runoff.
Election Results and Context
Nuñez earned 50.07% of the vote (3,944 out of 8,510 votes cast), while Hernandez received 30.84% and third-place candidate Elias Gonzales got 18.41%. This marks the first time in recent history that an incumbent supervisor has lost a reelection bid in the primary. Hernandez faced criticism over his stance on a proposed battery storage facility near Watsonville and the county's handling of related ordinances.
Nuñez's Priorities
Nuñez emphasized increasing economic development in South County, which he believes is key to meeting community needs. He wants to collaborate with Watsonville city officials to boost tourism, traditionally driven by agriculture and nonprofits. He also aims to address the high cost of living by creating a pilot program for low-cost childcare up to transitional kindergarten and a robust down-payment assistance program for local residents.
Local California Context
Santa Cruz County is currently grappling with a $23.2 million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Nuñez will also need to vacate his role as board chair of the Pajaro Health Care District, which operates Watsonville Community Hospital, amid a leadership transition. The county's challenges are particularly acute in South County, where residents face high housing costs and limited economic opportunities.
Conclusion
Nuñez's victory signals a shift in voter priorities in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on local economic development and affordable living. As he prepares to take office, he will need to navigate budget constraints and community expectations to deliver on his campaign promises.