Ignacio Velazquez defends run for San Benito County Supervisor seat

During a BenitoLink candidate forum, Ignacio Velazquez defended his decision to run again for the San Benito County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat following his recall in the June primary. Velazquez cited a 2022 change in state law as his justification for seeking the office again and argued that special interest groups funded his recall due to his opposition to residential growth.

Recall spokesperson Stacie McGrady has attributed the recall effort to Velazquez’s management of the fire service contract between the county and Hollister, as well as public safety funding. While Velazquez claimed approximately $100,000 was spent on the recall campaign, contribution reports indicate the recall committee raised $27,000, whereas Velazquez loaned himself $49,600 for his defense.