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# Hernandez Appears Set to Claim Ward 6 Council Seat
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/hernandez-appears-set-to-claim-ward-6-council-seat/
- Published: 2026-06-12T00:45:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-14T11:59:04.000Z
- Description: Luis Hernandez is on track to win the Ward 6 City Council seat vacated by the resignation of Councilmember Jim Perry, according to preliminary results from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.
- Author: Gazette Staff
- Tags: Politics, 2026 Election, City Council

As of Thursday evening, Hernandez leads the three-way race with 50.36% of the vote — 2,623 ballots — compared to 28.19% for Oz Puerta and 21.45% for Norma Berrellez. All seven precincts have reported. Of 20,914 registered voters in the ward, 6,076 cast ballots, with 5,208 votes counted in the race. Mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted.

Candidates must clear 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two finishers advance to a November runoff.

Hernandez, who campaigned under the slogan "Our Neighborhood. Your Voice. Community First."

Hernandez did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

The race to replace Perry comes after the longtime councilmember announced his resignation during last week's City Council meeting, citing a time-sensitive family opportunity. Perry, who has represented Ward 6 since 2013, had already decided against seeking a fourth term in January. His departure leaves a vacancy that could last weeks to months, depending on when results are certified and a successor is seated.

The County Registrar will continue counting ballots through July 2, with results certified by July 10.

Hernandez did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

**More information:* Updated results are available at the* [*Riverside County Registrar of Voters website*](https://voteinfo.net/june-2-2026-primary-election?ref=raincrossgazette.com)*.*