# Guadalupe mayoral election and municipal challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guadalupe-mayoral-election-and-municipal-challenges > Updated: 2026-10-27T04:10:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. The mayoral race in Guadalupe has centered on addressing a budget deficit exceeding $3 million and managing public safety. Incumbent Mayor Ariston Julian has proposed spending freezes, including pausing the Royal Theater restoration project and terminating a police contract with the Santa Maria Airport to prevent layoffs. Challenger Christina Hernandez has criticized the city’s reactive fiscal management, advocating instead for long-range planning and the pursuit of regional grants. Beyond fiscal issues, candidates have addressed the community impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Hernandez noted that the presence of ICE causes anxiety among residents, including citizens. Mayor Julian expressed strong opposition to current enforcement tactics, stating, “ICE is wrong. I would defund ICE.” Council candidates Robert Diaz and Randy Altergott also weighed in, with Diaz describing current tactics as “brutal and completely unnecessary.” ## Timeline ### 2026-10-27: Guadalupe mayoral candidates debate budget deficit and ICE presence Guadalupe mayoral candidates Ariston Julian and Christina Hernandez are debating a $3 million budget deficit and the community's response to ICE enforcement during an upcoming election. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guadalupe-mayoral-candidates-debate-budget-deficit-and-ice-presence ### 2026-10-14: Guadalupe mayoral candidates debate budget and safety Guadalupe mayoral candidates Ariston Julian and Christina Hernandez discussed addressing a $3 million budget deficit, public safety, and infrastructure during a recent candidate forum. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guadalupe-mayoral-candidates-debate-budget-and-safety --- Cite as: Guadalupe mayoral election and municipal challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guadalupe-mayoral-election-and-municipal-challenges