Gonzales Mayor Election: Elizabeth Silva Leads Three-Candidate Race in First Results

GONZALES, Monterey County — November 3, 2026. Elizabeth Silva held a wide early lead in Gonzales’ three-candidate mayoral contest, according to the first county election-night results reported at approximately 8:30 p.m. Pacific. Silva had 595 votes (79.44%), followed by Andrew Castillo with 116 (15.49%) and Henry Laizure McDowell with 38 (5.07%).

What the mayor’s race means for Gonzales

Residents are choosing a mayor to help lead discussions about municipal services, roads, local spending, housing and growth. The result comes from the Salinas Valley Tribune’s November 3 report based on Monterey County Elections. Its figures represent an early batch rather than the complete final count.

Separate races for City Council

Gonzales also had council contests in Districts 1, 3 and 4. District 1 was particularly close, with Maria Orozco at 99 votes and Delia Gutierrez at 94. Those races choose district representatives, not the citywide mayor. They have separate electorates and cannot be conflated with Silva’s initial mayoral tally.

Early leader is not certified winner

Election officials continue canvassing valid ballots, including mail and other eligible ballots that may not be in the first Election Night results. California58 will update the vote totals only with a new reporting timestamp.

Sources: Salinas Valley Tribune, results updated November 3 at 8:30 p.m.; Monterey County Elections official website.

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