COACHELLA, CA
A dramatic shift in the latest election results has put Dr. Frank Figueroa ahead in Coachella’s mayoral race, turning what had been a narrow deficit into an even narrower lead.
According to results released Wednesday, November 11, Figueroa leads Denise Delgado by just 67 votes. One day earlier, Figueroa trailed Delgado by 66 votes, a 133-vote change in the margin.
The latest unofficial tally shows Figueroa with 1,821 votes (31.8%) and Delgado with 1,754 (30.6%). Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez follows with 1,677 (29.3%), while Francisco “Frankie” Molina has 475 (8.3%). The race remains unresolved. See the vote-by-vote election results history.
A race that could still change
The November 11 update included 1,158 newly counted votes. Figueroa gained 430 votes in the batch, compared with 297 for Delgado. That difference moved Figueroa from second into first place.
The results illustrate why election-night leads are not necessarily final. California election officials continue processing eligible ballots after Election Day, including mail ballots and ballots requiring additional verification. Even when all precincts have reported election-night results, outstanding ballots can still change the outcome.
KESQ’s local election results also list the 67-vote margin. Additional updates were expected Thursday, November 12.
Three candidates remain close
Gonzalez trails Figueroa by 144 votes and Delgado by 77. The three leading candidates are separated by less than three percentage points. Residents should not interpret the current standings as final.
The candidate with the most votes after counting is completed will determine the outcome, subject to certification and applicable election procedures.
What is at stake for Coachella?
The mayor’s race comes as Coachella faces major decisions about development, infrastructure and economic growth. A proposed large-scale data center development has prompted questions about electricity demand, water use, air quality and nearby neighborhoods. Project proponents have argued that the development could generate economic benefits. These issues will remain important regardless of who wins.
Other priorities include housing, road improvements, public safety and maintaining services as the eastern Coachella Valley grows. The mayor will help guide those discussions alongside the City Council.
City Council results also remain unofficial
In the latest reported council totals, Vicente Zamora leads with 1,613 votes, followed by Yavonne Zapata with 1,564. Juan Martinez has 1,206, Ambar De-La-Herran 839 and Andrew Gallegos 237. Those results may also change as additional ballots are processed.
What happens next?
Election officials are expected to release additional results. The Riverside County Registrar of Voters will continue processing ballots until the count is complete and results are certified. No candidate should be described as the winner until the outcome is established.
For now, Figueroa holds a 67-vote lead, but Coachella’s mayoral race remains too close to call.