Saul Ayon
Candidate for Assembly District 35
Saul Ayon is running as the Republican for Assembly District 35. The general election is on November 3, 2026. District 35 covers the Bakersfield and Kern County area. In the June 2, 2026 primary, Ayon got 18,299 votes (36.7%). He finished second, 39 votes behind Democratic candidate Andrae Gonzales, who got 18,338 votes (36.7%). Democrat Ana Palacio got 13,283 votes (26.6%). Gonzales is a Bakersfield City Council member. Both Ayon and Gonzales advanced, under California's top-two primary rules. They will face each other in the November general election. Ayon is the mayor of McFarland and teaches criminal justice at McFarland Early College High School. His Kern LAFCo profile says he retired after 23 years with the Kern County Sheriff's Department. He served on the McFarland City Council from 2020 to 2022 before becoming mayor. Home: He likely lives in the district he seeks, the Bakersfield and Kern County area. This is not confirmed. Prior office / incumbency: Mayor of McFarland, and earlier a McFarland City Council member (2020 to 2022). He is not the incumbent in this race.
On the issues
- Water & Natural Resources
Wants to protect local water rights and secure long-term water storage for Central Valley farmers and families.
“Protect local water rights and secure long-term storage so our farmers and families have the resources they need to thrive.”
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Wants to support law enforcement, restore accountability, and ensure community safety.
Source → - Taxes & Cost of Living
Wants to lower taxes and reduce regulations to support working families and small businesses in the Central Valley.
Source → - Education & Schools
Wants to keep education decisions local and expand career and technical training programs for students.
“Keep education local and expand career and technical training for students.”
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Wants to fix local roads and water systems while cutting wasteful taxpayer spending.
Source → - Economy & Jobs
Wants to create jobs by supporting small businesses, agriculture, and energy production.
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.