Luis Hernandez is expected to be sworn in as the new City Council representative for Ward 6 at the July 7 council meeting, a city spokesperson confirmed.
As of June 24, Hernandez has 50.29% of the vote — just over the 50% threshold needed to win the seat outright — with his opponents Oz Puerta and Norma Berrellez trailing at 28.25% and 21.26%, respectively.
Initial results came in on June 2 with Hernandez at 46.43% of the vote – but as ballots were counted over the next several days, his vote climbed to 50 percent on June 10.
He declared victory in a statement released June 18.
"I am deeply honored by the trust that Riverside Ward 6 voters have placed in me," Hernandez said. "I believe that every Riverside resident deserves a seat at the table, and I promise to work hard every day to make our city government more transparent, equitable, responsive, and inclusive."
Hernandez is now Councilmember-Elect and will succeed Councilmember Jim Perry, who announced earlier this monththat he will leave office due to a family opportunity.
In his statement, Hernandez also acknowledged his predecessor.
"I also want to thank Councilmember Jim Perry for his years of diligent service to our city," he said.
Hernandez said he will be the first Latino elected to represent Ward 6 on the Riverside City Council.
Hernandez, a Riverside resident for more than 30 years, works as a Disability Services Specialist for Blindness Support Services, a local nonprofit where he helps clients gain independence, find employment, and navigate public services.
He has also served on the city's Board of Ethics Commission, including as its vice chair.
