Alvarado and Hawk Lead Early in Imperial County Supervisor Races

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — Local candidates for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors are holding their breath as election results continue to trickle in.

With ballots still being tallied, the outcomes of these high-stakes local races remain entirely up in the air. 

In the District 1 race, candidate Enrique Alvarado is riding a wave of early optimism. While he currently leads the pack, Alvarado is stopping short of celebrating just yet.

He noted that his phone has been ringing non-stop with calls from eager supporters.

“A lot of people have been reaching out within the community and congratulating me," Alvarado said. "Being the way that I am, I still let them know that I’m still waiting for the results and hopefully that we get that 50%. If not, then we are ready for November also.”

Alvarado’s campaign focused heavily on promises to tackle local infrastructure, incoming data centers, and Calexico healthcare. While he is prepared for a potential November runoff, he is ultimately keeping his eyes on a January swearing-in to begin delivering on those plans.

“Hopefully when the day comes when I get to be sworn in... I will be out in the community speaking to people and meeting with people and ensuring that the district is represented,” Alvarado added.

Meanwhile, District 5 is turning into a tense waiting game. Incumbent John Hawk was seen putting up "thank you" signs for his voters, fighting hard to retain his seat on the county board.

Hawk credits his strong, lifelong ties with the residents of Holtville for helping him secure his early lead.

“I think the other cities when they understand the relationship we have with people you’ve known all your life, they say, 'You know, if he’s respected there, he’s probably respected here,'” Hawk said.

Like Alvarado, Hawk hopes his early lead will cross the fifty percent plus one threshold required to win the seat outright. However, if the margins do not hold, he expressed total confidence in moving forward to a runoff. He also shared mutual respect for his challengers.

“My two opponents are pretty good to work with, honestly," Hawk noted. "We get along, we chat, and I think whoever wins, we’re going to support one another.”

Hawk’s campaign has focused heavily on bettering the economy, boosting infrastructure, and supporting agriculture.

Candidates on both sides remain on high alert as the Imperial County Registrar of Voters updates the tallies.