(FOX40.COM) — Among the many races that voters will make their selection for in the March 5 California primary election is the mayoral race in Modesto.
Modesto is the county seat and largest city in Stanislaus County with a population of over 215,000 people, according to the 2022 Census. Modesto is also the 19th largest city in California.
The candidates running for mayor of Modesto on this year’s ballot are Sebastian Jones, a non-profit CEO, and Sue Zwahlen, who has served as the city’s mayor since being elected in 2021.
Mayor Sue Zwahlen
Sue Zwahlen was elected to become mayor of Modesto in 2021. According to the city’s website , she is also a former member of the Modesto City Schools Board where she served two terms as its president.
Zwahlen is a “lifelong” resident of Modesto and spent time as a nurse before beginning a career in politics.
“Today, our City leadership is united,” she writes in her candidate statement on the Stanislaus County election ballot. “When our City had a significant budget shortfall and a 30% reduction in public safety officers, we worked together to pass Measure H.”