Aram Ayra, Budget Engagement Commissioner and Associate Director of Development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire, officially launched his campaign via social media on Tuesday for the open Ward 2 seat on the Riverside City Council. The announcement comes after Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes declared she would not seek re-election in 2026 as she pursues a state assembly seat.
Ward 2 includes the University neighborhood, Hunter Park, Canyon Crest, Sycamore Canyon and Mission Grove.
"Public service starts with hearing the real concerns of the residents who live, work and build our city," Ayra said in his announcement. "We need a City Hall focused on balanced, results-driven solutions that improve people's daily lives and strengthen our economy."
In an interview with the Raincross Gazette, Ayra expanded on his approach to public service: "Whether it's serving on City Commissions, supporting local youth and families through my work in the nonprofit sector, or helping organize neighborhood projects, I've been on the ground, hearing directly from people and working to address their everyday challenges."
Ayra previously served as Chair of Riverside's Human Relations Commission and as President of the Riverside Neighborhoods Partnership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the Riverside Mutual Aid Network, which delivered hygiene kits, masks and food to residents in need. He earned both his bachelor's in political science and master's in higher education administration and policy from UC Riverside, where he was also involved in student government.
According to Ayra, if elected, he would focus on improving public safety, addressing homelessness and increasing housing options. He also stated he plans to prioritize fire prevention in Ward 2 areas facing high wildfire risk.
"I will prioritize new development that leads to good-paying, career-path jobs," he said. "I will also support reinvestment along the University Avenue corridor that drives economic opportunity and enhances the area for both residents and businesses."
Ayra emphasized the opportunity to better connect UC Riverside with the city. "With more than 25,000 students, UCR is home to a young, diverse and highly educated population that could contribute significantly to Riverside's future," he told the Gazette.
This is not Ayra's first bid for the Ward 2 seat. In 2021, he ran unsuccessfully in the June primary as a grassroots candidate focused on limiting money's influence in local government and creating green jobs.
"When I first ran in 2022, I brought big ideas and energy," Ayra told the Gazette. "But over the past four years, I've gained a deeper, more practical understanding of what it takes to deliver real results."
On economic development, Ayra said he advocates for diversification while acknowledging warehouses' role in the local economy. He pointed to Ward 2's position to potentially lead economic transformation, citing institutions like UC Riverside, the California Air Resources Board and the SoCal Oasis Innovation Hub.
Ayra's campaign stated that if elected, he would become the first Armenian-American to serve on the City Council. He has secured endorsements from several local leaders, including Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina, Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes and Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera.
More information about Ayra's campaign can be found on his campaign website ayraforriverside.com.
