Frank Figueroa to Make Second Run for Mayor

Frank Figueroa Among Field of Three Vying for Mayor’s Seat

COACHELLA — Since April, Frank Figueroa has had the opportunity to try on for size the role of mayor. He has found the leadership position in this growing community of more than 46,000 a comfortable fit with room to grow.  He wants to keep it. To that end, he is one of three people seeking the mayor’s seat in the November election.

Figueroa’s fellow councilmembers unanimously selected him to finish the term of former Mayor Steven A. Henandez who resigned after pleading guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge.

Figueroa, Councilmember Denise Delgado and Jesus Ahkin Gonzalez are all vying for the mayor’s two -year-term. Gonzalez helped lead the effort to get on the November ballot a recall question of Delgado and Councilmembers Yadira Perez and Stephanie Virgen. His father is former mayor Jesus R. Gonzalez, who was indicted on felony bribery and conspiracy charges due to a land deal that involved his sister and developers of the property. The elder Gonzalez now serves as a trustee on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Education.

This will be Figueroa’s second attempt at winning the mayor’s seat. In 2024, at 31, Figueroa sought to wrestle the reins of leadership from incumbent Mayor Steven Hernandez. He did not succeed.

In an email to his community, Figueroa wrote:

“Serving as your Mayor has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me. After a lot of reflection and many conversations with residents across our city, I am excited to share that I am running for re-election this November.

“Over the past several months, I have had the chance to connect with so many of you at community meetings, local events, and just around town. I always appreciate hearing your ideas, your concerns, and your hopes for Coachella. Every conversation reminds me how much people care about our city and how important it is that every voice is heard and that everyone has a seat at the table when decisions are being made about our future.

“We have made real progress together, but there is still more work ahead. We need to keep making thoughtful, responsible decisions, continue improving our neighborhoods, support our families and local businesses, and plan carefully for Coachella’s future.

“I do not pretend to have all the answers, but I will always listen, be honest with you, and work hard every day to do what is right for our community. I am committed to making sure representation matters in every conversation and that no one feels left out of the process.

“I am running because I believe in the momentum we have built together, and I want to keep moving Coachella forward side by side with all of you.

“Thank you for your support, your trust, and the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. I am truly grateful.”

The election is Nov. 3.