As far as elected officials go, there’s little to like about Ceci Iglesias in Santa Ana. First, a sacrificial candidate for several offices before being elected to SAUSD and the Santa Ana City Council solely because multiple Democrats split the vote and the remaining Republicans in the City crossed the Razor Blade road and Rubbing Alcohol river to vote for her.
Iglesias and her supporters are urging the Santa Ana city council to delay a special election next month to recall her, and, hopefully, replace her with another candidate. Two Democrats and one Republican are running to be a replacement council member if Igleisas is recalled. But if Iglesias were smart (and she’s not), she’d urge the council to move forward with the election. Because Democrats — which make up the majority of voters in Santa Ana — are horrible when it comes to turning out for special elections (as the 2018 Third District supervisors race more than proved). And Republicans will turn out as many eligible voters as possible.
Still, the numbers favor Iglesias’ recall. it’s a citywide election after all.
But…she’ll be back on the ballot running for Mayor in November. Three Democrats are vying to replace longtime Mayor Miguel Pulido. Council member Jose Solorio launched his bid a while ago, as did former Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez, who was a poster child for horrible Democrats. Council member Vince Sarmiento launched his bid for the top job in February. Beating Ceci in May gives her the summer to fundraise and campaign while watching three Democrats beat each other up in a political three way that’s ugly to consider.
So as far as Democrats go, who is the smart play here? Each one has damage.
Solorio ran for council with a questionable address of residence. Sarmiento has one of the nicest homes in Santa Ana on First Street but rumors persist he really resides in Orange Park Acres. Alvarez once compared a deal offer by a Jewish landlord to Hitler and then held a closed door Hispanic/Jewish come-to-Jesus meeting to try and repair her reputation.
Who will Pulido back in this race? Depends on who cuts a deal.
Fundraising will also be a factor. Solorio has the edge there, but Sarmiento won’t do poorly either. Should Pulido reward Alvarez’s loyalty over the years, money won’t matter. But there’s no guarantee anyone one of these three will win.
It’s not a stretch to guess that all three Democrats will draw significant votes but not nearly enough to prevent Iglesias from wining in November. And she would be a disaster. Even as mayor, you have to count to four in Santa Ana to get anything done. And Ceci isn’t the answer.
Go Cici! If this idiot doesn’t like you you’re bound for glory.