Meet the Villapuduas

Alameda County revisits a Sheriff's Oversight Board; Pleasanton seeks grant to stop retail theft; Fremont's ambitious climate action plan; Hayward's city manager, city attorney get big raises

Fifth State Senate District candidates Edith Villapudua and San Joaquin County Supervisor Miguel Villapudua.

ELECTION 2024

5TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT

—FAMILY ISSUES—The Tri-Valley is set to have new representation next year after the region was redistricted into the San Joaquin County-centered 5th State Senate District.

—One of the most delicious storylines in the entire March 2024 primary—if it holds up—is the intra-family matchup between Edith Villapudua, the wife of Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, and her husband’s cousin, San Joaquin County Supervisor Miguel Villapudua. (A few weeks ago, I erroneously described him as Edith’s brother-in-law.)

—Miguel Villapudua dropped in on the Tri-Valley Democratic Club’s meeting last night to introduce himself voters in the new part of the district. About 30 percent of the new 5th State Senate District is in Alameda County.

—Miguel Villapudua was very candid about the family ties in this race, including a question about the potential Villapudua “dynasty” extending to the Tri-Valley. All three Villapuduas are Democrats.

—“I’ve been in office. I’ve sat on planning commission, and I’ve been seven years as supervisor,” he said, making a distinction with his cousin’s wife, Edith. “I know how to work with people. I’ve demonstrated a work ethic that is strong.” Miguel Villapudua has served as a San Joaquin County supervisor since 2016.

—“My other candidates haven’t been in office. Edith is a very nice person. She’s my cousin’s wife. I know that she’s very intelligent. I think that she’s jumping for the highest position possible. I think she should have started out in a different position, honestly. It is what it is.

“As far as the family name, I don’t know what to say. Carlos has done a great job as an assemblymember. Unfortunately, we’ve had our differences and we don’t communicate well. That explains why Edith is running.”

—In April, Edith Villapudua met with Tri-Valley Democrats, detailing her biography and early struggles as a single mother, while answering those who question her limited experience in government. “I’m not a politician,” she admitted.

—When her husband, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua turned down requests to run for the 5th District seat, he asked Edith to consider it. “There’s no way,” she said. “The first comment I made to him was, ‘Why would anybody vote for me? I’ve never held public office before.’” After contemplating the question, she decided there’s no prerequisite for holding office, she added. “Why not me?”

—Edith Villapudua acknowledged that her husband’s cousins looms large in the campaign. “I can’t control anything except my own race. It’s an open seat. Anybody has the right to put their name on the ballot and the voters will decide.”

—For what it’s worth, there doesn’t appear to be a viable Tri-Valley candidate on the radar for this high-profile office.

—FUNDRAISER—Dublin Councilmember Jean Josey’s mayoral campaign is hosting a fundraiser at the IBEW Local 595 Union Hall on June 30.

MORE INSIDE

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