Troy Arrollo announced he is withdrawing from the Ceres mayor’s race on Monday.
Arrollo, who announced his plans in November to run for mayor, explained that he does not have the time and resources to running an effective campaign.
The announcement came in the form of a text to his supporters. It read:
“To the Citizens of Ceres, I am writing to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to step down as a candidate for Mayor of Ceres. This decision has not been made lightly, and I have carefully considered all aspects and implications before arriving at this conclusion.
“Throughout this campaign, I have been deeply honored by the encouragement and support I have received from so many of you. It has been incredibly inspiring to witness the dedication and passion within our community. However, due to personal and professional considerations, I have determined that I am unable to dedicate the necessary time and resources to continue this campaign effectively.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my supporters, volunteers, and donors who have tirelessly worked to advance our campaign. Your belief in our shared vision for Ceres has meant more to me than words can express. I am incredibly grateful for your trust and commitment.
“To the remaining candidates, I wish you all the best as you continue your campaigns. I am confident that you will lead with integrity and dedication, addressing the vital issues our community faces.
“Although I am stepping down from this race, my commitment to Ceres remains unwavering. I will continue to seek ways to contribute to our community’s growth and success, supporting initiatives and efforts that aim to improve the lives of our residents.
“Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Together, we can continue to work towards a brighter future for Ceres. Sincerely, Troy Arrollo.”
The announcement could open up other candidacies as the candidate filing period nears.
Lopez was elected mayor in November 2020 over then Vice Mayor Bret Durossette by a 8,753 to 6,924 vote margin. The mayor announced that he would seek re-election on Oct. 7.
Not only will voters living inside the Ceres city limits be deciding on who should be mayor, residents of Districts 3 and 4 will be deciding on whom to send to the Ceres City Council.
The candidate nomination period opens Monday, July 15 and closes Friday, August 9. If an eligible incumbent does not file by the deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday, August 9, a five-day extension of the nomination period occurs to permit any qualified voter, except incumbents, to file nomination papers by Wednesday, August 14. Prior to qualifying as a candidate, the city clerk will verify the residency of each potential candidate through their nomination paperwork.
