BAKERSFIED, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon has announced his candidacy for the California Assembly, aiming to represent the 35th Assembly District as a Republican.
Ayon, who has been mayor since 2022, will be running for the seat currently held by Asm. Jasmeet Bains, who is vacating the position to pursue a Congressional campaign against Rep. David Valadao.
The 35th District includes Arvin, Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Wasco, and parts of Bakersfield.
McFarland mayor announces bid for California Assembly (mcfarlandcity.org){p}{/p}
Ayon will face Democrat Andrae Gonzales, a Bakersfield City Councilman, in the race. Prior to his mayoral role, Ayon served on the McFarland City Council from 2020 to 2022 and has been a member of the San Joaquin Central Committee since 2024.
In addition to his political career, Ayon is a criminal justice teacher at McFarland High School and previously served 23 years with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.
The election for the Assembly will take place on June 2, 2026.