MERCED COUNTY — November 4, 2026. The Westside Healthcare District Zone 3 short-term director election shows a narrow early lead.

Preliminary numbers

Kevin Rapoza has 51 votes, compared with 28 for Ashley Casteel, a difference of 23 votes.

Local significance

The election fills a short-term public healthcare district governing position. It is not an election for a hospital executive or county health officer. The district’s eventual certified result may differ as eligible ballots are counted.

This report uses Merced County election data published by local journalists on November 4, generally updated through 2:07 a.m. Pacific. Vote-by-mail, provisional and other eligible ballots may be added during the county canvass. These figures do not represent official certification.

Sources: Los Banos Enterprise, Merced County election returns November 4; Merced County Elections official results portal. California58 statewide election coverage.

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