Jimenez Leads Richmond Mayoral Race

Early returns show Councilmember Claudia Jimenez ahead of Ahmad Anderson as voters also back a fire-station bond.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain civic building facade with a flagpole against a pale sky, evoking a city's open municipal office. — Councilmember Claudia Jimenez led Ahmad Anderson 52.21% to 47.79% in early returns for Richmond mayor, while Measure Q's $120 million fire-station bond had 68.39% support. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you support a $120 million bond for fire stations in your city?

Richmond City Councilmember Claudia Jimenez leads Ahmad Anderson 52.21% to 47.79% in early results for mayor. Measure Q, a $120 million fire-station bond, has 68.39% support so far but needs a two-thirds vote to pass.

Why it matters

The runoff follows the thwarted reelection bid of Mayor Eduardo Martinez, leaving the city's top office open. The early bond support will shape how Richmond funds its fire department infrastructure.

Measure Q would repay about $22 per $100,000 of assessed property value, an estimated $147 a year for a median-valued $668,200 Richmond home. Total cost through 2060 is estimated at $250 million including interest, and final tallies have not yet been certified.

The players

Claudia Jimenez

Richmond City Councilmember who has served six years on the council and secured a $550 million settlement from the Chevron Richmond Refinery.

Ahmad Anderson

Mayoral candidate whose mother and father have both previously served as Richmond mayor.

Eduardo Martinez

Richmond mayor whose bid for reelection was thwarted in the primary.

The details

Measure Q would fund renovating or rebuilding three of the Richmond fire department's seven stations and its training center. Jimenez, who has served six years on the City Council, previously secured a $550 million settlement from the Chevron Richmond Refinery.

November 3, 2026: Early results released showing Jimenez leading and Measure Q ahead.
June 2026: Jimenez and Anderson advanced as the top two vote-getters in the primary.
2060: Estimated end date for Measure Q repayment, including interest.

Political Context

Jimenez's candidacy rests heavily on her role in the Chevron Richmond Refinery settlement, which is the main credential she brings to the mayoral contest. Anderson's family connection to past Richmond mayors frames the race as a contest over continuity versus new leadership.

If Measure Q passes, Richmond homeowners would pay roughly $22 per $100,000 of assessed value each year, about $147 annually for a median-valued home. The bond requires a two-thirds vote, so its final outcome depends on ballots still being counted.

The takeaway

Local ballot measures and close races can shift on later-counted ballots, so the final certified numbers matter more than early returns. Residents weighing Measure Q should compare the annual per-home cost against the long-term total.