Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue appears poised to win reelection for a fifth overall term, with early unofficial results on election night showing a large gap between him and his closest challenger, former educator Peter Szalai.
Donohue was ahead with about 62% of votes recorded so far, with Szalai tallying about 20% at that time.
Community organizer Daniel Munoz was in third with about 12.5%, and Hartnell College student Hezekiah Gonzalez trailed with about 4%.
Donohue served as mayor from 2006-2012 before running again in 2024.
Salinas’ mayor acts as an at-large seventh city councilmember who is tasked with presiding over City Council meetings. They do not have veto power over legislation.
Donohue said in his written candidate statement that the city had improved public safety and made infrastructure improvements during his tenure.
He grew up in Salinas and co-founded the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace during his first stint as mayor, a coalition of nonprofits and city resources designed to create support for youth and prevent violence.
Donohue also touted his efforts to upgrade the Cesar Chavez Library on his campaign website.