Full Breakdown
Avenan City Council Recall Ruling: Court Declares Seats Vacant
8/25/2026, 9:38:26 PM
Core Event
A Kings County Superior Court judge ruled that the four Avenan, Calif., city council members who were removed in a recall election do not lawfully hold office. The decision states that the council seats have been vacant since the recall results were certified on May 28, 2026. The ruling also confirms that former mayor Alvaro Preciado may appear on the upcoming general-election ballot.
Background & Context
The recall effort began in September 2025 after the city council moved forward with plans to create a municipal fire department without what recall organizers described as sufficient community input. Petitioners filed a recall petition, and the election was held on April 28. Voters removed Mayor Preciado and three council members, but the officials argued the election was “unauthorized” and continued to attend council meetings and spend city funds.
Timeline
- April 28 – Recall election held; voters remove the mayor and three council members.
- May 28, 2026 – Kings County Registrar of Voters certifies the recall results; the judge later declares the seats vacant from this date.
- In August 2026 – Judge Jennifer Giuliani issues the final order requiring the recalled officials to step down and authorizes Preciado’s candidacy for the upcoming election.
Data & Statistics
- Four officials were subject to the recall (mayor plus three council members).
- The recall certification occurred on May 28, 2026; the election that triggered it took place on April 28.
Official Statements & Responses
City manager Antony Lopez said the city will honor the court’s order and pause council meetings until new members are seated after the November election. Attorney Oshea Orchid noted that the ruling could lead to potential charges related to city funds spent after May 28, though no charges have been filed. The court also directed the registrar to accept Preciado’s nomination papers for the November ballot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The ultimate issue is not close. The court must uphold the will of the electorate, and Avenal voters have spoken decisively,” — Judge Giuliani
- “It's been a long time coming. They were never supposed to hold office for this long,” — Dalila Barajas
- “It's really exciting that we all finally have a court order to solidify exactly what the voters have been saying: that their votes should count, that they have the constitutional right to recall,” — Oshea Orchid, attorney
- “To see these people unlawfully hold office and refuse to step down was really egregious. And so we are all really happy to see today that the court understands exactly what took place and understands that the most important thing is the will of the voters,” — Oshea Orchid, attorney
What's Next
The upcoming general election will determine the composition of Avenan’s city council, with former mayor Preciado eligible to run. Until the election results are certified and new council members are sworn in, the city will operate without a quorum for council-approved actions.
