Community Advocate Jim Mercado Launches Campaign For Beaumont City Council

BEAUMONT, CA — Jim Mercado officially launched his campaign for Beaumont City Council on Friday, and his messaging is centered around a core concern of many residents: Beaumont's rapid growth.

"The question isn't whether growth is coming," Mercado said. "It's whether we shape it in a way that actually works for the people who live here.

"The decisions we make over the next few years will shape Beaumont for decades," Mercado continued. "Residents deserve leadership that listens carefully, asks tough questions, and keeps the community at the center of every decision."

The Mercado campaign has outlined three top priorities to implement if elected on November 3: "development agreements that include clear public benefit requirements whenever taxpayer resources are on the table, earlier and more meaningful community input before major policy and land use decisions are finalized, and a coherent long-term vision for downtown that reflects Beaumont's local identity and everyday needs."

Mercado is familiar with politics. He has served as president of the Pass Democratic Club, and he's been active in issues impacting Beaumont residents.

Before coming to the city, he spent nearly four decades in Los Angeles as a community leader, "where his work reflected that commitment in many forms, from ministry and community leadership to mentoring others in their journeys," according to his biography on his campaign website.

"After moving to Beaumont, he became deeply involved in local community life, taking on leadership roles and helping bring people together around a shared commitment to the future of the San Gorgonio Pass," the website continues.

Mercado and his husband, Dan, have been together for over 25 years.

Three Beaumont City Council seats are up for grabs in November. Terms for city councilmembers Mike Lara, Jessica Voight, and Lloyd White are expiring.

Beaumont uses an at-large election system, meaning all five members of the Beaumont City Council represent the entire city rather than individual geographic districts.

The nomination period for the November 2026 election is July 13 through August 7. Contact the city of Beaumont if you are interested in running for city council.

Any member of the public who meets the requirements below may run for public office in the city:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of California
• Be a registered voter and a Beaumont resident