Bakersfield City Council Ward 1 · Nov 3, 2026
Mercy Peña
Candidate for City Council Ward 1
Mercy Peña is running for Bakersfield City Council Ward 1 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Eric Arias.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayGreenfield Union School District trustee for Area C; born and raised in Bakersfield and a member of the Friends of Fatima group, which provides lunches for a church soup kitchen.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Greenfield Union School District Area C Trustee
- Campaign website
- mercypenacandidate.org
Where Mercy Peña stands: positions on the record
Sewer rates1 sourced position
Says mismanagement of funds left the city facing an estimated $1.3 billion in sewer and wastewater upgrades.
“Mismanagement of funds has resulted in Bakersfield facing a severe infrastructure crisis regarding its aging sewage and wastewater systems, requiring an estimated $1.3 billion in total upgrades.”
Own statementMercy Peña campaign site
Public safety1 sourced position
Lists violent crime as a threat to residents and says local crime rates remain above state averages.
“The rise of violent offenses in Bakersfield poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Bakersfield's residents.”
Own statementMercy Peña campaign site
Homelessness1 sourced position
Cites a 2026 count of 2,690 people experiencing homelessness in Kern County, up 3.2% from 2025.
Own statementMercy Peña campaign site
City services1 sourced position
Says every neighborhood should be safe, respected and well-maintained, with police and firefighters there when needed.
“I am running for Bakersfield City Council because I believe every neighborhood deserves the same basic promise: to be safe, respected, well-maintained, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
Own statementMercy Peña campaign site
Also running for City Council Ward 1
- Eric Arias (incumbent)
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