Candidates set for June primary

Tulare County Sheriff is running unopposed

With the extended nomination period concluding Wednesday, the Tulare County Registrar of Voters has issued a list of the 151 candidates who will be running for 32 positions on the June 5 California primary election.

Since Jan. 1, 2011, California has used a “top two” open primary system. All candidates for voter-nominated offices are listed on one ballot and only the top two vote-getters in the primary election — regardless of party preference — move on to the general election in November.

A write-in candidate will only move on to the general election if the candidate is one of the top two vote-getters in the primary.

Here are the candidates running for state and national legislative offices that directly represent Porterville voters, as well as candidates running for Tulare County positions.

Porterville’s representative in the U.S. House of Representatives and current House Majority Leader Kevin Mccarthy (R) will seek re-election for the 23rd Congressional District, and will be running against Wendy Reed, James Davis, Tatiana Matta (D) and Mary Helen Barro (D).

Incumbent State Senator Andy Vidak (R) will again run for the 14th State Senate District, as will Ruben Macareno (D) and Abigail Solis (D).

State Assemblymember and Porterville native Devon Mathis (R) will seek re-election for the 26th State Assembly District, and will run against Warren Gubler (R), Jack Lavers (R) and Jose Sigala (D).

The following incumbents will run unopposed for their respective positions as Tulare County Superior Court Judges: David C. Mathias (position 7), John P. Bianco (position 8), Nathan G. Leedy (position 11), Melinda M. Reed (position 12), Robin L. Wolfe (position 14), Bret Hillman (position 19) and Tara K. James (position 20).

Four candidates will seek to replace long-time County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak: current County Deputy Superintendent Craig Wheaton, Burton School District administrator Anthony Martin, Exeter School District Superintendent Tim Hire, and Tony Velasquez.

Tulare County Supervisor Mike Ennis will not seek re-election for the 5th District, and his position will be sought by Virginia Gurrola, Dennis Townsend, and Juan Figueroa Jr.

Incumbent Roland P. Hill will seek re-election for County Assessor/ Clerk-recorder against Bradley R. Staley.

Appointed incumbent Cass Cook will run unopposed for County Auditor/controller.

Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward will seek re-election against prosecutor Matt Darby.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is also seeking re-election and will run unopposed.

For a complete list of candidates and state contests, visit The Tulare County Registrar of Voters website, tularecoelections.org.