Incumbent Pedrozo has strong lead in District 2 Merced Supervisor’s race
Merced County Supervisor Josh Pedrozo appears on his way to securing a second term in District 2.
Pedrozo is leading challenger Annissa Fragoso by a wide margin according to early voting results from the Merced County Registrar of Voters Office.
Pedrozo has 3,053 votes, which accounts for 70% of the 4,364 votes counted as of 11:18 p.m. Fragoso has 1,286 votes, which accounts for 29.5% of the votes counted.
“I was always cautiously optimistic coming into it because knew the work I put into the race and my four years as a supervisor,” Pedrozo said. “I’ve worked really hard to learn the position but then also to work with my colleagues to benefit District 2. I think tonight was a showing of support, my bosses — the 55,000 people who live in District 2 — said we want to continue with where we’re going.”
Pedrozo, 41, is a Merced native who has served on the Merced County Board of Supervisors since 2020. He also was a Merced City Councilman from 2009 until 2018.
Three of the five seats on the Merced County Board of Supervisors are up for election this March with Districts 1, 2 and 4 appearing on the ballot.
District 2 encompasses the Western Region of Merced County, including UC Merced and the surrounding area.
Fragoso was not ready to concede based on the early results.
“I’m enthusiastic, these are just the preliminary numbers, and they don’t represent the real numbers,” Fragoso said. “There’s still a long way to go. I’m optimistic and excited because of the way the community expressed their support for me.”
Fragoso, 51, is an insurance agent who is currently the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board President.
“No matter what the outcome is, it’s a win no matter what,” Fragoso said. “The people who voted for me know I’m on their side and I value their voice. At the end of the day that’s what voters want, someone who will listen to their concerns.”
Pedrozo says one of the major issues facing Merced County is public safety — including finding ways to bring in more Merced County Sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Other major issues Pedrozo pointed to was finding ways to generate revenue, dealing with the homeless and improving roads and other infrastructure.
“Always, I represent District 2 to the fullest extent that I can, but I also recognize that I also represent Merced County,” Pedrozo said. “The message to voters is thank you, I got here because of them and because of the work I put in. I work really hard, every single day to make sure their issues are heard.”
