La Voz Hispanic News – Sunnyside City Council Election 2025
By David Cortinas,  La Voz Hispanic News (My Take on the election results)

   David Cortinas

La Voz Hispanic News has reported the truth about the turmoil inside Sunnyside City Hall — including how former City Manager Mike Gonzalez was unjustly removed by 5 city council members including: Jorge Galvan, Keren Vazquez, Theresa Hancock, Vicki Ripley and Mayor Dean Broersma. Gonzalez was replaced with interim manager Jim Bridges in a process that fractured public trust. Only Councilors Julia Hart and Vicky Frausto stood up for the truth throughout the ordeal.

Now, the people have spoken — loudly and decisively. The 2025 Sunnyside City Council elections were not just about candidates. They were about truth, accountability, and redemption. Although a few hundred votes are left to be counted, La Voz is calling these races. Leticia Zesati beats Theresa Hancock | Ramon Chavez beats Vicki Ripley | Tom Dolan beats Adolph Muller| Evaristo Salas beats Laura Galvan.|

District 1: Leticia Zesati Defeats Theresa Hancock

The headline race of the night saw Leticia Zesati soundly defeats incumbent Theresa Hancock by a commanding margin. Hancock didn’t just get beat, she got thumped! Hancock’s defeat was referendum on her erratic behavior, corruption and targeting. Her involvement in the now infamous “Towel Gate” scandal — an attempt with Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan to smear former City Manager Mike Gonzalez — proved costly. Her push to release the Mike Gonzalez investigation completely backfired on her. Residents of Sunnyside called the investigation a sham, as Hancock tried to push the narrative that the investigation exonerated her from her abhorrent behavior. The nail in Hancock’s coffin was when her son revealed that he believes she’s a racist, and isn’t fit to serve on the city council. Zesati’s win reflects a clear voter mandate rejecting that type of politics. She ran a disciplined, grassroots campaign centered on unity, transparency, and community growth — the exact opposite of the toxic infighting voters were tired of.

District 2: Tom Dolan Defeats Adolph Muller

While Dolan’s victory was comfortable, Muller earned respect across the community for his earnest campaign, grounded in faith and a focus on family values. Observers credit Muller with raising the level of discourse and bringing attention to small-business issues and public safety. Tom Dolan’s name recognition as a former shop teacher at Sunnyside High, along with Muller’s strategic mistakes, including turning around during a prayer at a city council meeting, made it difficult for him to get the swing votes he needed. Muller told La Voz he was trying to make a point that there should be separation of church and state.

However, that message was drowned out by the negative press it received, in particular on the vicious Sunnyside social media group “What’s Up Sunnyside” that is run in part by Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan. His involvement in the site is a clear conflict of interest, and skirts violating first amendment rights of the constituents he serves. Muller’s campaign set a high bar for civility, even in defeat. We can only hope that Dolan speaks with his own mind, and doesn’t let Hancock influence him from the sidelines.

District 3: Vicky Frausto Retains Her Seat

Incumbent Vicky Frausto delivered one of the night’s most decisive victories, against challenger Luis M. Ochoa. This is the second election that Ochoa has felt the power of Frausto’s popularity. Frausto’s win demonstrates strong voter confidence in her leadership and community engagement. She remains one of the most visible and well-liked figures on the council, known for her accessibility and focus on youth programs. Many in the community are calling on Frausto to serve as the next Mayor of the city council.

District 4: Ramon Chavez thumps Vicki Ripley

La Voz said from the beginning of this race that Vicki Ripley was an empty suit. She had become nothing but a vote for Theresa Hancock’s crooked ways. Despite all the ways Chavez could have talked negatively about Ripley, he ran a clean, conservative and respectful campaign. The residents of Sunnyside are fortunate to have someone of Chavez’ caliber on the city council now. We’re excited to see his leadership in action. We are even more excited we won’t have to see Vicki Ripley parroting Hancock’s directives on the dais any longer.

School Board District 3: Evaristo Salas Pulls Off the Impossible

In one of the most inspiring victories in Sunnyside history, Evaristo Salas III — who was incarcerated for 27 years, and got out just a few years ago — has now been elected to the Sunnyside School Board. Salas defeated Laura Galvan, the wife of Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan. His victory sends a clear message of second chances and redemption. For many, it’s also a rejection of the divisive tactics associated with the Galvan political circle. Jorge was caught calling Sunnyside Public Schools “Zombie creating factories” on his Facebook page. Voters rewarded Salas’ authenticity, resilience, and faith-driven message.

A Referendum on the Past

This election was, without question, a referendum on how Sunnyside’s leadership treated former City Manager Mike Gonzalez. The so-called “Towel Gate” scandal — an alleged setup involving Hancock and Galvan — and the secretive appointment of Jim Bridges as interim city manager left many residents disillusioned. The message from voters is clear: Sunnyside deserves integrity, not manipulation.

ELLA Adelante’s Strategic Patience Pays Off

The Empowering Latinas Leadership & Action also played a quiet but very influential role. Executive Director Maria Fernandez deliberately stayed out of the public eye this cycle to prevent opponents from labeling candidates like Zesati and Chavez as “ELLA-backed.” That decision proved strategic — voters saw through the misinformation and voted their conscience. ELLA Adelante’s grassroots education and civic engagement work helped drive record participation among women and Latino families. Fernandez has been a force in Sunnyside. She deserves a lot of credit for empowering the Latino people to vote, participate and strive for a better community. She sometimes uses more vinegar than honey to make her points, however, it’s been an effective and authentic way to get results. La Voz applauds her leadership, and ability to get wins for the Hispanic community.

Mike Gonzalez Responds to the Election Results

When La Voz reached out for comment, former City Manager Mike Gonzalez expressed extreme gratitude and hope:

“I’m ecstatic about the results. They speak for themselves. The people of Sunnyside have seen the truth from the beginning. I hope the people involved in my removal can reflect on the damage they’ve inflicted upon me, my family, and the community. My prayer is they learn from this and become better people and city council members. It’s time for healing and moving forward,” said Gonzalez.

When asked if he believes he should be reinstated, Gonzalez replied:

“Absolutely. I want my job back that was stolen from me in June. However, It’s up to God and His will. If the new council members want me as the City Manager, I will proudly serve the people of Sunnyside. Sunnyside residents have supported me immensely. They’ve gotten me through this challenging time,” said Gonzalez.

During his tenure, Gonzalez secured millions in grants for youth programs, infrastructure, and community improvement projects — results that continue to benefit Sunnyside to this day.

The Verdict: The People Have Spoken

The 2025 Sunnyside elections are more than numbers on a chart — they represent a community reclaiming its voice. Voters have said no to corruption, no to personal vendettas, and yes to transparency, fairness, and hope. A new era has begun in Sunnyside. The challenge now is to govern with humility, rebuild trust, and honor the mandate the people have delivered.