Merced City Council District 2 · Nov 3, 2026

Yang Pao Thao

Candidate for City Council District 2 (incumbent)

6 candidates · 3 seats8 sourced positions

Yang Pao Thao, the incumbent, is running for Merced City Council District 2 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Felipe Rojas-Flores.

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Mail ballots start going out; drop boxes open · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Appointed Merced City Council member for District 2 and a former member of the city's Planning Commission. He is a marketing director for Vantage Financial Alliance.

Occupation (from candidate statement): Appointed Incumbent

The District 2 seat was left vacant by Ronnie De Anda's resignation in October 2025; the council appointed Yang Pao Thao on a 5-1 vote. GV Wire / The Merced FOCUS · Dec 13, 2025

Where Yang Pao Thao stands: positions on the record

Measure B sales tax1 sourced position

as reported by The Merced FOCUS
Said the city has to raise taxes to provide resources to residents.
“We don’t want to raise taxes, but we have to so that way we can provide these resources to our constituents”
Own statementThe Merced FOCUS · Aug 5, 2026

Tenant protections1 sourced position

as reported by The Merced FOCUS
Said it was not the right time to adopt new tenant protections and that small landlords must be considered.
“I don’t think this is the right time for us to adopt anything.”
Own statementThe Merced FOCUS · Aug 20, 2026

City budget1 sourced position

as reported by The Merced FOCUS; not a direct quote
Listed infrastructure as his top spending priority: roads, sidewalks, lighting, parks and safer routes to schools and businesses.
Forum answerThe Merced FOCUS · Sep 27, 2026

Data centers1 sourced position

as reported by The Merced FOCUS
Said the city should evaluate an actual data center proposal before deciding.
“We shouldn’t just say no to something”
Forum answerThe Merced FOCUS · Sep 27, 2026

Neighborhood priorities1 sourced position

as reported by the Merced County Times
Listed his District 2 priorities at his campaign kickoff.
“My priorities are improving streets, sidewalks, lighting, drainage and alleys; addressing illegal dumping and speeding; maintaining our parks; affordable housing, responsible growth, local jobs and creating more opportunities and safe spaces for our youth.”
Own statementMerced County Times

Growth1 sourced position

As a planning commissioner, voted yes to approve Lennar's vesting tentative subdivision map #1333 (passed 7-0, July 2025).
Commission voteMerced Planning Commission minutes, July 9, 2025 · Jul 9, 2025

Traffic safety2 sourced positions

Voted yes on accepting a speed zone study with changes for several streets (passed 4-2, Dec. 2025).
Council voteMerced City Council minutes, Dec. 15, 2025 · Dec 15, 2025
Voted yes on the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting pedestrian crossings outside of crosswalks (passed 6-0, Jan. 2026).
Council voteMerced City Council minutes, Jan. 5, 2026 · Jan 5, 2026

Also running for City Council District 2

Felipe Rojas-Flores

All 6 Merced candidates →

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