Two candidates who fell short in June's Ward 2 City Council primary are now backing Aram Ayra in his November runoff against Gracie Torres, Ayra's campaign announced Thursday.
Mike Vahl, who finished third, and Christen Montero, who finished fourth, both endorsed Ayra ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
With no candidate clearing the 50% threshold needed to win outright in the four-way June 2 primary, Ayra, who represents Ward 2 on the city's Budget Engagement Commission, and Torres, a Western Municipal Water District director, advanced to the runoff.
The winner will fill the Ward 2 seat left open by Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who is running for state Assembly rather than seeking reelection. The ward includes the Eastside, Canyon Crest, Mission Grove, Sycamore Canyon and the University District.
Ayra's campaign describes the endorsements as part of a bipartisan coalition. City Council races in California are officially nonpartisan, so candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.
"We come from different political stripes, but we share a belief that City Hall should be accountable to the people it serves," he said.
Vahl and Ayra have not always agreed. At a Raincross Gazette candidate forum in April, Ayra said he would have strongly supported the $20 million Homekey+ grant the council rejected in January to convert the Quality Inn on University Avenue into permanent supportive housing. Vahl said he would have voted against it, citing the city's long-term costs.
However, Vahl said the two share common ground on city finances and government accountability.
"Aram and I share a commitment to fiscal responsibility, reforming the City Attorney's Office and reducing our reliance on the General Fund Transfer," Vahl said in a statement provided by the campaign. "I know Aram will fight for a city government that is transparent, accountable to residents, and focused on making Riverside affordable."
The General Fund Transfer is money moved each year from Riverside Public Utilities into the city's general budget.
Montero, who ended her campaign after the primary, said running against Ayra gave her a close look at his approach.
"Running alongside Aram showed me his genuine commitment to the people of Ward 2," Montero said. "We share a vision for an affordable, safe and well-managed community where small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive."
She added that she looks forward to working with Ayra to serve Riverside.
His campaign platform focuses on lowering costs, changing local campaign finance rules and giving residents more say in city decisions.
Ayra's other backers include state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina, outgoing Ward 2 Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, former Mayor Ronald Loveridge, former Ward 2 Councilmember Andy Melendrez and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, according to his campaign. He also lists Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera and Corona Mayor Jacque Casillas, and has the backing of the progressive group Inland Empire United. His candidate statement cites support from groups representing Riverside nurses, academic workers, local unions and skilled trades.
Torres has been endorsed by Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson; Councilmembers Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard and Sean Mill; and retired Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz, according to her campaign website. She also lists Riverside County Supervisors Chuck Washington and Yxstian Gutierrez, several county elected officials and local school board members, and San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran among her supporters. Her campaign site also lists the Riverside police officers' and firefighters' associations, SEIU Local 721 and a range of trade unions.
The Ward 2 runoff will be decided in the Nov. 3 general election.
