Kern County Water Board Elections: Nov. 3, 2026
By Lois Henry
News
August 13, 2026
The deadline to declare candidacy for local water boards in Kern County has passed. While these elections often lack excitement, a few races are worth keeping an eye on.
Two key races to watch are:
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Kern County Water Agency: With its control over various water aspects in the county, including the Kern River, this board sees a challenge to two of its seats.
- Mary Parada, a Bakersfield resident and CSUB professor, is running against incumbent Tamara Johnson, a California Water Service vice president appointed last fall.
- Daneya Williams, general manager of Whitewater Voyages, is challenging Laura Cattani, a longtime rancher appointed in 2021, for the Division 2 seat.
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Indian Wells Valley Water District: Two at-large seats are up for grabs between incumbents David Saint-Amand and Stan Rajtora and challengers Scott Hayman and Teresa Dampier. Saint-Amand and Rajtora are also on the board of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, differing in their approach to addressing groundwater overdraft. The district is currently legally opposing the groundwater authority's measures.
Other Kern County Water Board Races:
- Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency: Incumbent Drew Mercy is running unopposed.
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