Judge Rejects Torres Challenge to Ayra's 'Educator' Ballot Label

A Riverside Superior Court judge has rejected a legal challenge to Ward 2 City Council candidate Aram Ayra's ballot designation as "Educator/City Commissioner," ruling March 30 that the designation will stand on the June 2 ballot.

The lawsuit was filed March 20 by Gracie Torres, an environmental planner who serves on the Western Municipal Water District board and is one of Ayra's opponents in the four-way race for the Ward 2 seat. Torres argued that "Educator" does not accurately reflect Ayra's principal occupation, which public records and his own campaign disclosures identify as Associate Director of Development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire.

The challenge cited California Elections Code Section 13107, which requires that a ballot designation reflect a candidate's primary professional endeavor, not a role that involves only nominal or occasional activity. Supporters of the challenge pointed to UCR Osher Lifelong Learning Institute records showing Ayra taught a single six-session course on Huey Long during the winter 2026 term, totaling 12 hours of instruction. The course was listed in the institute's catalog, which offers non-credit enrichment programming for adults over 50. His Form 700 financial disclosure, filed with the city in March, listed the UCR Osher Center as a source of income for instructional compensation in the $1,001 to $10,000 range.

The Riverside City Clerk had twice approved Ayra's designation before Torres filed the petition, according to Ayra's campaign.

In a sworn declaration filed in the court proceedings, Ayra states he holds a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy from UC Riverside and has prior instructional experience at UCR at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He states that for the Spring 2026 term he is scheduled to teach two courses through the UCR Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and that his instructional work will serve as his primary source of income going forward. Ayra also states he is in the process of transitioning out of his role at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Ayra, who also represents Ward 2 on the city's Budget Engagement Commission, said he thought the case was an attempt to use the courts for political gain rather than persuade voters directly.

"Instead of making her case to voters, [Torres] turned to expensive attorneys and the court to try to gain an advantage and weaken my candidacy … this was a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process, override our city staff, and create doubt where none existed. But it didn't work," Ayra said in a statement.

Torres said the lawsuit was rooted in a commitment to transparency, not politics. "My focus has always been on earning the trust of Ward 2 voters through honesty, transparency, and a strong record of service," she told the Gazette. "While the court has made its decision, I believe it warrants further inquiry, which is why we are making all related documents available for voters to review themselves."

The Ward 2 seat is open after Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes opted to run for State Assembly District 58 rather than seek reelection. In addition to Torres and Ayra, the race includes entrepreneur Christen Montero and financial and IT consultant Mike Vahl.

The June 2 primary election will determine whether any candidate clears the 50% threshold required to win outright, or whether the top two finishers advance to a November runoff.

Update, April 3, 2026, 11:27 a.m.: This story has been updated to include details from a sworn declaration filed by Ayra in the court proceedings.