In a closely fought race, incumbent Jessica Ancona has secured her re-election as the mayor of El Monte, narrowly defeating challenger Marisol Cortez. Ancona’s lead remained consistent as the final votes were counted, solidifying her position with approximately 52% of the vote. With a lead of roughly 600 votes, Ancona’s victory confirms the community’s trust in her continued leadership and her vision for the city’s future.
Throughout the election, both candidates ran active campaigns, directly engaging residents in conversations on critical issues facing El Monte, including safety, inclusivity, and effective governance. The high voter turnout reflected a community invested in its future and responsive to the platforms each candidate presented.
Ancona, who ran on her record of accomplishments over the past years, emphasized the progress her administration has made in economic development, public safety, and community engagement.
“My record speaks for itself — years of dedicated service, tangible results, and unwavering commitment to the city of El Monte,” Ancona said in a statement. “I trust that as more results come in, voters will see through the noise and recognize the truth: that my administration has always been focused on serving the best interests of our community and ensuring a brighter future for all.”
Throughout her campaign, Ancona highlighted recent developments she spearheaded, including improvements in local infrastructure and programs aimed at supporting small businesses and economic growth. She reassured voters that, if re-elected, she would maintain her focus on implementing practical solutions and strengthening city resources to meet the diverse needs of El Monte’s community.
Marisol Cortez, who received about 48% of the vote, brought strong competition with a platform focused on inclusivity, safety, and revitalization. Throughout her campaign, Cortez underscored her commitment to making El Monte a safer and more welcoming place for all residents. “I am proud of the campaign we ran and the people we reached,” Cortez shared in a concession statement. “This city deserves leaders who are dedicated to a brighter future, and I’ll continue to support efforts toward that goal.”
Her campaign successfully tapped into concerns held by many El Monte residents, drawing support from those looking for fresh ideas and perspectives. The close outcome reflects the appeal of her message and the desire among many residents for new approaches to governance.
With Ancona’s re-election, El Monte’s path forward will focus on building on existing initiatives and addressing the ongoing challenges of economic recovery, community safety, and civic engagement. Ancona’s administration has pledged to deepen community partnerships and prioritize transparency as part of its approach to governance.
This election marked a pivotal moment for El Monte, with both candidates bringing forth visions that highlighted residents’ key concerns. The election results signal the community’s readiness to give Ancona another term to fulfill her plans for the city. Her win represents continuity and a commitment to the progress made during her first term, while the strong support for Cortez suggests a keen interest in balancing traditional approaches with innovative ideas in the city’s governance.
As the city moves forward, Ancona’s administration faces the challenge of addressing issues raised during the campaign and uniting the community around a shared vision for El Monte. For now, El Monte’s residents look ahead to another term under Ancona, hopeful for continued progress and unity across the city
