Mercado projected to win auditor-controller race

Certified Public Accountant Josué “Josh” Mercado is projected to unseat incumbent Douglas Newland as county auditor-controller.

With almost 82 percent of the vote counted, Mercado was leading Newland by a tally of 3,407 to 2,924.

The results are unofficial until verified by the county Elections Department over the next week or two.

Emails to both candidates were not returned before press time. In a candidate profile for the Imperial Valley Press’ 2018 Spring Election Guide, Mercado, 41, stated he plans to have an increased involvement in the county’s financial process and oversight.

“They will be electing an auditor-controller who values the trust they place on me with their vote and is committed to work hard to maintain such trust for years to come,” Mercado said.

Mercado said he decided to run for the position “to bring relevance to the role of auditor-controller and of how essential this role is in maintaining the financial health of our county.”

Mercado’s previous leadership experience includes being a U.S. Navy veteran, past chairman of IV Joint Chambers of Commerce, past chairman and current treasurer for First Imperial Credit Union and current vice-chair of Imperial County Workforce Development Board.

“I want to thank all of you for your support, your efforts, your encouragement

and all the love you have shown and given me during this election process,” Mercado announced on his official Facebook campaign page Tuesday. “Regardless of the outcome, I feel like a winner, thanks to all of you.”