Estrada projected as winner in Menifee City Council race

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Billing himself as the “Fresh Perspective” needed in local government, Ricky Estrada appears headed for the District 2 seat on Menifee City Council.

Menifee 24/7 is projecting victory for Estrada, who has led in every release of voting results for the council seat representing southwest Menifee. With some votes still being counted, the latest tally released Thursday shows Estrada with a substantial lead among four candidates, bringing in 2,496 votes, or 47.86 percent of the votes that have been counted. His nearest competitor, Planning Commissioner Ben Diederich, has 1,425 votes, or 27.33 percent of the votes.

Angel Nevin is third in the race with 655 votes (12.56 percent), followed by Altie Holcomb with 639 votes (12.25 percent).

Estrada, who lost in a bid for the mayor’s seat in 2020, has not held public office before. His website and Facebook page promote him as “Patriot Estrada for Menifee.” He serves in the Air Force reserves and works as a substitute teacher in the Menifee area.

Among Estrada’s main goals are relieving traffic in the city and cutting “wasteful spending.” He will be sworn in as a council member at a special meeting of the City Council on Dec. 15.

The only two voting districts up for election this year were District 2 and District 4. Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines ran unopposed in District 4 and was re-appointed to his council seat earlier.

Estrada issued the following statement Thursday night:

"Thank you Menifee! I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with representing all of us. 'We The People', with this vote of confidence, have spoken.

"I consider myself an everyday citizen. I am a blue-collar worker who spends my time in the military and in education. Pure love for America is what motivates me. Pure love for our City of Menifee is what motivates me.
 
People want to hear the truth, transparency, and true representation from their elected leaders. We want to improve traffic, protect our rural communities, and protect our small town feel. We want a strong police and fire force, with safe roads to and from school everyday. We want to cut the debt, cut wasteful spending, and have full transparency for our tax dollars. We want more amenities, parks, and unique small businesses, which set Menifee apart. We must rally together, and get these things accomplished, as soon as possible.

"To begin all order of business, on DAY ONE, I will voluntarily sign the City of Menifee’s optional oath stating, 'I will not accept campaign contributions from developers or contractors within our city.' I want our city to know, I am here on behalf of you, representing you, and WILL NOT be bought or influenced.

"As we embark on the future together, we must establish a strong foundation for the city, which will stand the test of time. The future generations depend on us. There is a lot, WE CAN AGREE ON. Now, let’s get to work."