2026 EDUCATION ELECTIONS
This page provides general information about candidates
appearing in Merced County education elections.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Countywide
Candidate
RICHARD LOPEZ
Superintendent / Veteran
Candidate
ANA BOYENGA
Assistant Superintendent
MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
TRUSTEE AREA 1
NORTH MERCED • MERCED COLLEGE • FRANKLIN
Candidate
JOHN MAGNESON
Retired Educator
Candidate
PEG LARSON
Businesswoman / Nonprofit Administrator
MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
TRUSTEE AREA 2
SOUTH MERCED • UC MERCED • PLANADA • LE GRAND • EL NIDO
Candidate
RYAN R. HELLER
Appointed Incumbent / Board Vice President
Candidate
GUADALUPE M. GONZALEZ
Lead Care Manager
MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
TRUSTEE AREA 5
LOS BANOS • DOS PALOS • SOUTH DOS PALOS • WESTERN FRESNO COUNTY
Candidate
JESSE D. PEREZ
Merced College Student
Candidate
GENEVA M. BRETT
Incumbent / Board President / Real Estate Agent
ELECTION DATE
November 3, 2026
Additional election information may be obtained from the appropriate county election office.