Atwater Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Mike Nelson
Candidate for Mayor (incumbent)
Mike Nelson, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Atwater in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Roberto Montes-Yepez.
County elections officials begin mailing ballots (by) · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayAtwater's incumbent mayor and a former firefighter and Merced County Supervisor.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Mayor / Business Owner
- Endorsed by
- Lists the Atwater Police Officers Association and the CalFire Firefighters Association as endorsers. Ballotpedia · Sep 28, 2026
The mayor's race is the only contested race: Mike Nelson and Roberto Montes-Yepez. Shawn Conour is the only candidate for District 3 and Adam R. Conour is the only candidate for District 4. Merced County · Aug 25, 2026
Where Mike Nelson stands: positions on the record
Growth and land use1 sourced position
Says the General Plan Update will let Atwater annex land for more housing, and annexing commercial and industrial land will create jobs.
“The upcoming completion of the General Plan Update will allow Atwater to annex land for more housing. The ability to annex more land for commercial and industrial development will create more jobs for Atwater residents.”
Own statementBallotpedia · Sep 28, 2026
Public safety1 sourced position
Lists strengthening police and fire services, school-area traffic safety and a balanced budget among his goals for the next four years.
“In the next four years, I will keep our budget balanced, strengthen police and fire services, improve traffic safety near our schools, and cut red tape so local businesses can grow.”
Own statementBallotpedia · Sep 28, 2026
Public engagement1 sourced position
Says the city should hold more public hearings, meetings, outreach and workshops, with advance notice of issues.
“More public hearings, more public meetings, more outreach, more workshops”
Own statementMerced County Times
Public comment1 sourced position
Voted yes on moving general public comment before the consent calendar (passed 4-1, January 2026).
Council voteAtwater City Council action minutes, January 12, 2026 · Jan 12, 2026
Meeting schedule1 sourced position
Voted yes on the 2026 meeting schedule that cancels the second regular meeting in July, November and December (passed 3-2, December 2025).
Council voteAtwater City Council action minutes, December 8, 2025 · Dec 8, 2025
Also running for Mayor
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