As the Ceres mayoral race looms into view for New Year 2024, at least one challenger is emerging to take on incumbent Mayor Javier Lopez.

Lopez was elected in November 2020 to a four-year term and has already geared up for a re-election bid with a campaign kickoff event held Oct. 7.

Troy Arrollo, 60, the distribution/operations manager of Delicato Family Wines and son of former Ceres Mayor Louie Arrollo, is preparing his candidacy to unseat Lopez. He plans to formally announce his candidacy at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 at River Oaks Golf Course & Events Center in Ceres.

Arrollo said he is throwing his hat in the ring out of concerns over present city leadership and the “inefficiencies how the city is running.”

“The people of Ceres need to be heard and with the current City Council I don’t believe this is taking place,” said Arrollo, a 35-year Ceres resident.

“I recently attended the meeting in which I heard the dispatchers and the lack of support. I understand they are running four dispatchers short along with police and fire running understaffed and it seems like there is a lack of concern with the council. We need new leadership to put the city on track.”

The son of the former mayor said he is excited looking toward his first-ever political run and ready to use his business and management skills to lead the city.

While Arrollo said Lopez is “leading to the best of his ability” but feels “Ceres needs new leadership.”

“I’ve always worked in the business community and management and with that experience and background of leadership and building teams I can do the same for the city of Ceres.”

In a prepared statement, Arrollo said:  “A few years ago, Ceres was a city that provided services to allow its citizens to lead pleasant lives. Residents of Ceres were aware of the capable leadership in place at the time, government that cared about ensuring that everyone may live in safety and comfort. For whatever reason, the purpose of Ceres’ governmental leadership has been questioned over the last few years, casting doubt on the dependence on it.

“Having observed Ceres on many occasions, I’ve noticed that the hometown appeal has changed, giving the impression of a city in crisis. It seems to be the mindset that even Ceres leadership has adopted.”

Arrollo said the shortage of affordable housing remains his concern but he wants the city “to take a step back and look at the current infrastructure” for new growth.

Arrollo has been with Delicato Winery since February 2019 and was the operations manager at E.&J. Gallo Winery from 1984 to 2017 where he ran two business units and oversaw multi-million dollar budgets. He earned his bachelor of Applied Science degree from the Univ. of Phoenix. 

Councilman Bret Silveira, who is also serving as vice mayor, will also be up for re-election in November 2024.

In 2020, Lopez was elected mayor over then Vice Mayor Bret Durossette by a 8,548 to 6,824 vote margin.