Ramon Chavoya launches run for El Centro City Council
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A new face is entering the local political arena as 22-year-old El Centro native Ramon Chavoya officially launches his campaign for a seat on the El Centro City Council.
Running to challenge the political status quo, Chavoya hopes to inject a fresh, next-generation perspective into local leadership.
Chavoya is deeply rooted in the community. He grew up in El Centro with both of his parents and his brothers.
He graduated from Southwest High School, attended Imperial Valley College (IVC), and is currently continuing his education as a student at San Diego State University’s Imperial Valley Campus.
His decision to enter the race stemmed from a feeling that the current city council does not accurately represent the community’s shifting realities.
Chavoya noted that none of the current council members are young, active students, or individuals actively trying to build a new future while struggling to pay rent, car payments, and high gas prices.
“I understand what it’s like to live those experiences right now, not like 10 or 20 years ago,” Chavoya said. “I’m just asking voters to take a chance on me because I know I’m young, and I know I don’t have the political or life experience as the other candidates, but I deal with the same issues that they do.”
Chavoya’s core mission is to create an environment where young residents do not feel forced to leave the Imperial Valley to find success. He is asking voters to give him the opportunity to learn and grow so he can be a true voice for the younger generation that is destined to lead the city.
If elected, his platform focuses on shifting local policy to prioritize small businesses, community togetherness, and young adults through several key initiatives:
Fostering a Local Economy: Advocating for more opportunities for local small businesses and establishing a designated community marketplace. Simplifying the Business Permit Process: Streamlining city bureaucracy to support aspiring entrepreneurs. “You know as a city we complain that there’s not enough local businesses and job opportunities, but then we make it harder for people to start businesses,” Chavoya noted. Banning Data Centers: Halting data center developments within El Centro to focus on alternative local growth and community engagement. Creating a City Internship Program: One of the things he is most excited to implement is a municipal internship program to offer young adults direct, hands-on experience in local politics and governance.
Chavoya highlighted the importance of mentorship and hands-on preparation for upcoming leaders.
“I want to create a program for young people, high schoolers, and college students to get involved so that they understand a little bit of what the environment is politically, locally and if they want to pursue a future in public service, then they have that background to back them up,” he explained.
Chavoya’s platform has already garnered institutional backing, receiving an official endorsement from the Imperial County Democratic Central Committee.
“They see that young people are ready, and I’m thankful that they support me like that and I just hope other people will too,” Chavoya said.
Voters and community members interested in meeting the candidate can attend an upcoming campaign meet-and-greet. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 6 at Bucklin Park in El Centro from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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