El Monte mayoral candidates focus on financial stability, public safety, and health

El Monte is preparing for its Nov. 3 elections with several city offices on the ballot, including the mayor, one city council seat, city treasurer, and city clerk, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Two incumbent councilmembers, Martin Herrera and Julia Ruedas, are running unopposed in their respective districts. However, the mayoral race is drawing significant attention with three candidates vying for the position: two-time incumbent Jessica Ancona, Mayor Pro Tem Viviana Longoria, and public health nurse Christine R. Sarmiento.

Jessica Ancona, first elected to the council in 2018 and mayor in 2020, emphasizes restoring long-term financial stability while maintaining services for residents as the city's primary challenge. Viviana Longoria, elected to the council in 2024 and a child development specialist, prioritizes public safety, quality of life, housing affordability, homelessness, and strengthening the economy and infrastructure.

Christine R. Sarmiento, a first-time candidate and public health nurse, advocates for a holistic health approach, highlighting the city's low ranking on the California Healthy Places Index and limited park space. She stresses the importance of health initiatives starting early to improve community well-being.

The candidates' differing platforms reflect the diverse concerns within El Monte as voters decide on leadership for the next term.