Riverside City Council Ward 2 · Nov 3, 2026
Aram Ayra
Candidate for City Council Ward 2
Aram Ayra is running for Riverside City Council Ward 2 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Gracie Torres.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayA City Commissioner and educator who represents Ward 2 on the city's Budget Engagement Commission; former associate director of development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire and a UC Riverside graduate.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Educator/City Commissioner
- Endorsed by
- State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, Supervisor Jose Medina, former Mayors Ron Loveridge and Rusty Bailey, Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, and groups representing nurses, academic workers, educators and skilled trades, as listed in his candidate statement Aram Ayra
- Campaign website
- www.ayraforriverside.com
June 2 primary, Ward 2: Gracie Torres 37.99%, Aram Ayra 35.72%. Ward 4: Chuck Conder 45.63%, Rich Vandenberg 28.34%. Riverside County Registrar of Voters · Jun 26, 2026
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes and Luis Hernandez, listed as Board of Ethics vice chair, are listed as endorsers on Aram Ayra's campaign site. Aram Ayra campaign site
Third- and fourth-place Ward 2 primary finishers Mike Vahl and Christen Montero endorsed Aram Ayra for the runoff. The Raincross Gazette · Sep 24, 2026
Where Aram Ayra stands: positions on the record
Utility rates1 sourced position
Pledges to oppose new rate increases and city fees and to keep utility bills affordable for Riverside Public Utilities ratepayers.
“Oppose new rate increases and City fees.”
Own statementAram Ayra
Warehouses1 sourced position
Pledges to protect neighborhoods from warehouses, data centers and truck traffic.
“Protect our neighborhoods from warehouses, data centers, and truck traffic.”
Own statementAram Ayra
Data centers1 sourced position
As reported by The Raincross Gazette; not a direct quote
Called for a voter-approved tax on warehouses, a warehouse moratorium and a ban on data centers.
Forum answerThe Raincross Gazette · Sep 28, 2026
Homelessness2 sourced positions
As reported by The Raincross Gazette
Said he would have voted yes on the Quality Inn homeless housing conversion the council rejected in January 2026.
“resoundingly yes”
Forum answerThe Raincross Gazette · Jan 15, 2026
As reported by The Raincross Gazette; not a direct quote
Called for more housing, shelter beds, and mental health and substance use services, and for the city's inspector general to review homelessness spending.
Forum answerThe Raincross Gazette · Sep 28, 2026
Campaign finance1 sourced position
As reported by IE Voice; not a direct quote
Said he would support adding local campaign contribution limits through the city's charter review process.
Forum answerIE Voice / Black Voice News · Oct 1, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
As reported by IE Voice; not a direct quote
Proposed a fee on large corporate owners of residential property, paid into the city's affordable housing trust fund.
Forum answerIE Voice / Black Voice News · Oct 1, 2026
Also running for City Council Ward 2
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