Western Municipal Water District Director Gracie Torres officially launched her campaign for Riverside City Council Ward 2 on Wednesday, touting her record of public service and securing endorsements from Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson and a majority of the current City Council.
Torres, who has represented Ward 2 residents on the water board since 2018, enters a growing field that includes Budget Engagement Commissioner Aram Ayra and social media entrepreneur Christen Montero.
"Ward 2 deserves a representative who can build coalitions, take action, and fight for our neighborhoods," Torres said in a press release announcing her candidacy. "I have a strong record of accomplishments, and I'm ready to bring that same leadership and accountability to City Hall."
Torres did not respond to requests for an interview.
Ward 2 includes the University neighborhood, Hunter Park, Canyon Crest, Sycamore Canyon and Mission Grove.
At her October 1 campaign event attended by more than 100 supporters, Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson announced her endorsement of Torres.
"Gracie Torres has proven herself as a leader who gets things done and always puts the community first," Lock-Dawson said. "Gracie isn't about taking sides—she's about Riverside. Her vision, experience, and dedication make her exactly the kind of representative Ward 2 needs on the City Council."
A lifelong Riverside resident and product of local schools, Torres holds degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Science from Cal State San Bernardino. She works as an environmental planner for Riverside County, created the BECA Angelita scholarship for STEM students, and serves on several nonprofit boards.
Torres brings name recognition to the race, having won her water board elections by 25% in her first race in 2018 and 35% in her 2022 reelection, receiving over 20,000 votes.
According to Torres' campaign materials, her priorities include investing in public safety and addressing homelessness, prioritizing job creation and affordability, and enhancing city services.
"As a director at Western Municipal Water District, Torres has built a reputation for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency," her campaign stated, noting she has "spearheaded efforts to improve efficiency, expand community engagement, and protect local resources."
Torres emphasized her track record of voting against rate increases during economic downturns and her work replacing aging infrastructure—experience she argues translates directly to city governance.
Torres has secured the backing of several major labor unions, along with endorsements from Councilmembers Philip Falcone (Ward 1), Steven Robillard (Ward 3), and Sean Mill (Ward 5), plus former Mayor Rusty Bailey.
Torres' campaign stated she has raised more than $50,000, which they claim leads all announced candidates in fundraising.
The winner will replace Clarissa Cervantes, who won the seat in 2021 and is now seeking State Assembly District 58. Cervantes herself replaced longtime Councilmember Andy Melendrez, who served for 15 years before an unsuccessful mayoral bid.
With eight months until the June 2026 election, the Ward 2 race is expected to intensify as candidates vie for support in one of the city's most politically engaged districts.
The filing deadline for candidates is in early 2026, leaving open the possibility that additional candidates could still enter the race.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
For more information about Torres' campaign, visit gracietorres.com.
