Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Mayor/Nurse
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Ida Obeso-Martinez has been a healthcare professional and community leader in the Imperial Valley for over two decades. In addition to her medical work, Obeso-Martinez has served as Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Imperial and has published research in leading medical journals.
Public Safety Platform:
One of her key issue areas is “safe neighborhoods,” including prevention, law enforcement, and mental health support. She is endorsed by Smart Justice California, a group that advocates for justice reform, which leads IJ Action to also make a recommendation in her favor.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Councilmember/Education Director
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Oscar Ortiz is a current Indio City Councilmember and former Mayor with a background in science and regional nonprofit work.
Public Safety Platform:
Ortiz supports a public safety approach that emphasizes trust between local law enforcement and the community. As an Indio City Councilmember and former mayor, he backed a resolution limiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement while affirming that police will respond to all calls and that residents can access city services without fear of immigration retaliation.
His platform stresses local control, compliance with state law, and ensuring that all residents, including immigrants and low‑income families, feel safe and protected.
He is endorsed by the Legislative Progressive Caucus and the Working Families Party.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Community College Professor
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Tomás Olivia has served the El Centro community in public service and local government for over a decade. He was first elected to the El Centro City Council in 2018 and served until 2025, including a term as mayor.
Tomás began his career in government working in the California Attorney General’s Office and the State Assembly. He has also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Imperial Valley College, where he worked with community college students and incarcerated learners..
Public Safety Platform:
Olivia does not state his views on public safety on his campaign website..
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Assemblymember/Father
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Assemblymember Gonzalez was first elected to the Legislature in 2024 having previously worked as a local pastor and small business owner. In his first term in office, he has had a very poor voting record on justice reform, earning an “F” on our Legislative Scorecard.
Public Safety Platform:
Gonzalez draws on his military background to frame a public safety platform centered on law enforcement support and order. He opposes justice reform measures that reduce law enforcement authority and frames public safety as a core community right.
He is endorsed by the Imperial County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association and the Riverside County Sheriffs’ Association..
Website:
